Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi is leaving the Sharks with immediate effect and will return to the Stormers in a surprise move ahead of this weekend’s United Rugby Championship (URC) action.

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson confirmed the transfer on Tuesday, 27 October.

The 35-year-old, who won two Rugby World Cups with the Springboks, is expected to report for duty in Cape Town on Wednesday.

Mbonambi spent six seasons with the Stormers before joining the Sharks in 2021.

His departure follows weeks of uncertainty over his future in Durban.

Bongi Mbonambi’s Sharks exit follows disciplinary dispute

Mbonambi faced allegations of misconduct following a Sharks pre-season team-building camp.

According to earlier reports, the hooker allegedly breached rules imposed by head coach JP Pietersen during the camp.

Pietersen previously declined to discuss Mbonambi’s absence during a Sharks media conference on 8 October. “Bongi is obviously not up for selection. There’s no comment about Bongi,” he said, according to SA Rugby Magazine.

Neither club has disclosed the terms of Mbonambi’s departure or his new agreement.

Stormers face hooker crisis ahead of Ulster clash

The Stormers lost three hooker options during Saturday’s 52-40 victory over the Scarlets.

Andre-Hugo Venter left the field injured, Lukhanyo Vokozela suffered a head knock and Deon Fourie sustained a hamstring injury.

JJ Kotze is also serving a three-week suspension following a dangerous tackle against Bristol Bears.

The shortage forced the Stormers to recall retired hooker Scarra Ntubeni to training this week.

Skills coach Labeeb Levy confirmed that Vernon Paulo, Altus Rabe and Ntubeni were preparing for Saturday’s match against Ulster.

Mbonambi’s arrival gives Dobson another experienced option, although the Stormers have yet to confirm whether he will feature this weekend.