Double Rugby World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi is set to join the Stormers, offering the experienced Springbok hooker a route back into senior rugby after being frozen out by the Sharks.
Mbonambi, 35, has endured a difficult period in which he lost his place in the Springbok set-up and was subsequently left out of the Sharks’ plans.
Injuries have contributed to his decline, while there have also been reports of off-field concerns. Although he has been fit and available since the beginning of the new United Rugby Championship season, his position at the Sharks was placed under threat because of a misconduct issue.
He was omitted from the Sharks’ touring squad for their current overseas fixtures. With the Durban-based side away, however, a possible resolution has emerged for both the player and the club.
According to Rugby365, Stormers director of Rugby John Dobson has confirmed that Mbonambi will return to Cape Town.
The move would allow the Sharks and Mbonambi to move on from their recent dispute, while also addressing an urgent shortage of hookers for the Stormers.
The Cape club are currently without Deon Fourie, who has a hamstring injury, and Andre-Hugo Venter, who is sidelined by an elbow problem. Lukhanyo Vokozela is also unavailable after suffering a head knock, while JJ Kotze remains suspended.
The injury problems have been severe enough for Scarra Ntubeni to come out of retirement. Mbonambi’s arrival would now provide the Stormers with another experienced option in the position.
Mbonambi already has strong links with Cape Town, having played for the Stormers and Western Province between 2015 and 2021. During that spell, he made more than 100 appearances across all competitions.
He subsequently joined the Sharks and became an established member of the Springbok squad, helping South Africa win the Rugby World Cup twice.
The hooker could now return to the Stormers as early as this week.
