Sbu Nkosi’s career has been hit with another major setback as he faces a four-year ban after returning a positive test for a banned substance.

Nkosi was left out of Friday night’s Currie Cup clash between the Cheetahs and Bulls at Loftus Versfeld for personal reasons.

According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Nkosi returned a positive test for an anabolic steroid mainly used by bodybuilders. He was one of three Springboks tested by World Rugby in May.

The 28-year-old could be suspended for four years if his B-sample returns the same positive test as his A-sample, which is often the case with doping cases.

The news is the latest setback in Nkosi’s rugby career. He was given a career lifeline by the Cheetahs, who gave him a one-year contract in March after falling out at the Bulls.

Nkosi, whose off-field problems are well-documented, reached a mutual agreement with the Bulls to terminate his contract early last June.

His one-season stint at Loftus Versfeld ended under a cloud after he took a not-so-subtle dig at the Bulls on his social media page, while touring with the World XV in England.

Photo: @CheetahsRugby/Twitter