The Sharks have confirmed the departure of Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi, who has joined the Stormers with immediate effect.

The decision to part ways comes after a disciplinary issue during a team-building camp, where the World Cup winner ignored one of head coach JP Pietersen’s rules on one of the evenings.

This led to the Sharks taking disciplinary action, with the prospect of Mbonambi’s contract being terminated. However, the Durban-based club states that they are parting ways on ‘amicable terms’ with the 35-year-old rejoining the Stormers, whom he represented between 2015 and 2021.

Sharks’ statement

“The Sharks confirm that the Club and Bongi Mbonambi have mutually agreed to bring his playing contract to an end with immediate effect. The decision follows constructive discussions between both parties and has been reached on amicable terms,” a statement from the Sharks read.

“Both parties appreciate the support shown by Sharks supporters and the wider rugby community.”

Sharks CEO Shaun Bryans added: “Bongi is a Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok whose contribution to South African rugby speaks for itself. On behalf of everyone at the Sharks, I want to thank Bongi for his valued contribution to the club during his time in Durban. We wish Bongi every success in the next chapter of his career.”

“As a club, our focus remains firmly on the current season and on building the identity and team culture that Head Coach JP Pietersen and the squad are driving.”

Mbonambi signs a one-year deal with the Stormers

Due to the disciplinary issue, Mbonambi has not played for the Sharks at all this season, which has hurt his chances of making the Springboks squad, having already recovered from injury. He has been omitted from Rassie Erasmus’ squad for the upcoming Nations Championship matches in the Northern Hemisphere, with a move to the Stormers allowing him the opportunity to rekindle his international career too.

His return to Cape Town is a timely one too, as the Stormers are contending with an injury crisis at hooker, with André-Hugo Venter, Deon Fourie, Lukhanyo Vokozela, Almero Keizer and Luca Bakkes all injured and JJ Kotzé currently serving a suspension.

Mbonambi has signed a one-year contract with John Dobson’s side and will add to his 74 caps upon his return.

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Commenting on the signing of the double World Cup winner, director of rugby Dobson said: “We all know the quality that Bongi brings and it is fantastic that we were able to arrange this deal at such short notice. We are grateful to both Bongi and the Sharks for helping to make this happen.
“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.

“We have been hit hard with both injuries and suspension to our hookers, so we are delighted to welcome Bongi back to the fold.”

Mbonambi added: “I spent many incredible years playing for the DHL Stormers, so to be back in Cape Town surrounded by so many people I know and respect is fantastic.

“This club is in a great space, and I want to do all I can to contribute to the cause.”