Sbu Nkosi’s once-promising rugby career seemed destined for greatness when he made his Springbok debut at just 22 in 2018 under Rassie Erasmus. Scoring two tries in his first match against England, he quickly became a standout player, and it looked like a bright future awaited the talented winger. By 2019, he had secured a spot on the World Cup team and even started in the semi-final against Wales, helping South Africa progress to the final, where they went on to claim the Webb Ellis Cup.
However, Nkosi’s trajectory took a sharp turn after that. A combination of injuries and personal battles off the field began to affect his career. Reports of disciplinary issues arose, and his reputation suffered. Nkosi played his last Test for the Springboks in 2021, and even after moving to the Bulls for a fresh start, things didn’t improve. He was reported to have left training sessions without communication, and in December 2022, he went missing, sparking a nationwide search. Nkosi later revealed that he had been struggling with severe mental health issues, putting his rugby career on hold.
Though he returned to the field for the Bulls, things didn’t improve, and he was eventually released by the team. In what seemed like a last chance at redemption, the Cheetahs offered him a lifeline, but things took another drastic turn when Nkosi was banned by World Rugby for three years after testing positive for an anabolic steroid. His suspension, effective until 2027, could be the final blow to his once-promising career.
Since the ban, Nkosi has remained silent, staying out of the public eye and cutting off social media. It remains uncertain what the future holds for the talented yet troubled former Springbok. While rugby might be behind him, Nkosi has expressed a deep passion for music, even releasing a rap song under the stage name “Lawd Odin” in the past. However, he has not released any new music in years.
As he stays out of the limelight, one can only hope Nkosi is receiving the support and help he needs after such a tumultuous journey in both his professional and personal life.
