Bongi Mbonambi has joined the Stormers on a one-year contract after his five-year spell with the Sharks came to an abrupt end amid reports of a disciplinary issue.
The Springboks hooker had been stood down from action while the misconduct allegation was being dealt with. The Stormers moved to secure his services this week as they sought cover for injuries in their hooker department.
Mbonambi has been included in the Stormers matchday squad for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship fixture against Ulster, with head coach John Dobson confirming that the circumstances surrounding his departure from the Sharks had not prevented the move.
Dobson Explains How the Transfer Happened
Dobson said the Stormers had been aware that Mbonambi’s relationship with the Sharks was nearing its end and that the Cape Town side needed an additional hooker.
“It was common knowledge that Bongi’s relationship with the Sharks was coming to an end and we had a problem at hooker,” Dobson told the media on Wednesday.
He said he contacted Mbonambi to ask whether he would consider joining the Stormers if his time in Durban ended.
Dobson also said discussions covered the player’s plans for the coming months and his ambition to return to the national team.
“There were some other conversations around Bongi’s future over the next few months and what his aspirations were about getting back into the national team. He said he’d love to,” Dobson said.
According to the Stormers coach, the Sharks then completed the release arrangements, allowing Mbonambi to move to Cape Town.
“The Sharks expedited things and signed the release so that he could come and play for us. It was just good timing,” he added.
Stormers Coach Cites Positive Previous Experience
Mbonambi is returning to a club where he previously played between 2015 and 2021, earning 74 appearances for the Stormers.
Dobson said his previous working relationship with the hooker had been positive, highlighting the trust and professionalism he had experienced while coaching him.
“I worked with Bongi for quite a few years at the Stormers. There were high levels of trust and professionalism. I worked with him in the Baa-Baas as well,” he said.
Dobson added that he could not comment on the events at the Sharks but said the Stormers’ own experience of Mbonambi had been positive.
Mbonambi Brought In as Short-Term Injury Cover
The Stormers have signed Mbonambi primarily to address their immediate injury concerns rather than as a long-term addition to the squad.
Dobson said the player was in good physical condition but had not been training, making it important for him to return to competitive rugby as soon as possible.
The Stormers face a break of three or four weeks after the upcoming round. Dobson said delaying Mbonambi’s return until after that period could leave him without a match for another four or five weeks.
The coach also stressed that hookers need time in scrums and mauls to regain match sharpness.
“We have to get him back on the field to accelerate that journey,” Dobson said.
Stormers Starting XV for Ulster Match
The Stormers have named the following starting line-up for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship match against Ulster:
- 15: Damian Willemse
- 14: Seabelo Senatla
- 13: Ruhan Nel (captain)
- 12: Jonathan Roche
- 11: Leolin Zas
- 10: Yaqeen Ahmed
- 9: Cobus Reinach
- 8: Evan Roos
- 7: Louw Nel
- 6: Paul de Villiers
- 5: JD Schickerling
- 4: Adré Smith
- 3: Wilco Louw
- 2: Vernon Paulo
- 1: Ntuthuko Mchunu
Mbonambi Named Among the Replacements
Mbonambi will begin the match on the bench as the Stormers prepare for their meeting with Ulster.
The replacements are:
- 16: Bongi Mbonambi
- 17: Vernon Matongo
- 18: Neethling Fouché
- 19: Riley Norton
- 20: Connor Evans
- 21: Wandile Mlaba
- 22: Haashim Pead
- 23: Wandisile Simelane
