Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi has rejoined the Stormers on a one-year deal. The move came straight after he and the Sharks agreed to end his contract in Durban.
The 35-year-old is available for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship match against Ulster at the Cape Town Stadium. The Stormers are short of hookers because of injuries and a suspension.
“We all know the quality that Bongi brings and it is fantastic that we were able to arrange this deal at such short notice,” Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said.
André-Hugo Venter, Deon Fourie, Lukhanyo Vokozela, Almero Keizer and Luca Bakkes are all injured. JJ Kotzé is serving a suspension.
“We have been hit hard with both injuries and suspension to our hookers, so we are delighted to welcome Bongi back to the fold,” Dobson said. He thanked both Mbonambi and the Sharks for helping to make the deal happen.
Dobson also pointed to the player’s record. “Bongi became a Springbok while playing for us and has proven himself among the best in the world in the middle of the front row,” he said.
The Sharks confirmed on Wednesday that they had reached an amicable agreement with Mbonambi. His contract ended with immediate effect after talks between the two sides.
According to IOL, the exit follows a disciplinary dispute that lasted months. It was reportedly linked to an alleged breach of team rules during a pre-season team-building trip to a safari lodge.
That trip took place before the Sharks played the All Blacks on 11 August. Neither club gave details of the terms of his departure.
Sharks chief executive Shaun Bryans thanked the hooker for his time in Durban. “Bongi is a Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok whose contribution to South African rugby speaks for itself,” Bryans said.
“We wish Bongi every success in the next chapter of his career,” he added. Bryans said the Sharks remain focused on the current season and on the team culture built by head coach JP Pietersen.
Mbonambi played 74 times for the Stormers between 2015 and 2021. He first became a Springbok during that spell in Cape Town before he moved to Durban.
His return also reunites him with Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who is now at the Stormers.
Mbonambi said he was excited to return to the club where he had some of his best years. “I spent many incredible years playing for the Stormers, so to be back in Cape Town surrounded by so many people I know and respect is fantastic,” he said.
“This club is in a great space and I want to do all I can to contribute to the cause,” Mbonambi said. The Stormers host Ulster at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.