When Sbu Nkosi burst onto the scene in 2018, his future in South African rugby looked incredibly bright.

The young wing had everything it took to succeed – speed, talent, and a knack for making a significant impact on the field.

He marked his Springbok debut with two tries in a memorable win over England, quickly becoming one of the standout players under Rassie Erasmus.

It seemed like he was on the path to greatness, with a starting spot secured for the 2019 World Cup, where the Springboks triumphed and secured the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup.

The Struggles Begin

However, Nkosi’s promising career began to face challenges not long after the World Cup.

Though injuries played a part, reports soon emerged about his personal struggles off the field.

These difficulties led to disciplinary actions and gradually tarnished his previously sparkling reputation.

Nkosi, who had once been a star player for the Springboks, found himself on the sidelines more often than not, and by 2021, his 16th Test for the national team would turn out to be his last.

A Fresh Start at the Bulls

Seeking a fresh start, Nkosi moved from the Sharks to the Bulls in hopes of rejuvenating his career. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned.

Concerns began to surface once again, with reports stating that Nkosi was absent from training without any communication.

This worrying behavior peaked in December 2022, when Nkosi mysteriously disappeared, prompting a nationwide search.

It was later revealed that Nkosi had been grappling with severe mental health issues, forcing his rugby career to take a back seat as he focused on his well-being.

While there were signs of a comeback after he rejoined the Bulls, his return was short-lived, and he was ultimately released by the Pretoria-based team.

A Desperate Career Setback

Nkosi’s hopes of turning things around took another devastating blow when, in 2023, it was confirmed that he had tested positive for an anabolic steroid.

This led to a three-year ban by World Rugby, one that would run until July 2027.

The suspension cast serious doubt over his future in the sport, and many saw it as the final nail in the coffin of his once-promising rugby career.

A Silent Withdrawal

Since receiving his World Rugby ban, Nkosi has disappeared from the public eye entirely.

He has not made any public statements regarding the situation and has even gone silent on social media.

For a player once so full of promise and potential, his absence from the spotlight raises questions about what might be next for him.

Music as a Possible Escape

Though his rugby career seems to be over, Nkosi’s passion for music may offer an alternate path.

He previously released a rap song titled “Off the Clock” under the stage name Lawd Odin.

However, he has not released any new tracks in years.

It remains unclear whether he will pursue music more seriously, but his love for the art form might serve as a creative outlet during this difficult period in his life.

What’s Next for Sbu Nkosi?

Nkosi has largely retreated from the public eye, and his future remains uncertain.

While his rugby career has come to a painful and premature end, it’s important to remember that he’s more than just a former athlete.

His journey, filled with both highs and lows, reminds us that even the most promising stars can face setbacks, and it’s crucial that Nkosi gets the support he needs to navigate this tough chapter of his life.

Whether he’ll find his way back into music, or something else entirely, remains to be seen.

But for now, all fans can do is hope for his well-being and recovery, far beyond the rugby field.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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