2 publishers · first seen Thu, 29 Oct 2026 14:23 UTC · updated Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:15 UTC
Bongi Mbonambi is set to return to action for the Stormers against Ulster in Cape Town on Saturday, coming off the bench after joining the team this week following a mutual contract termination with the Sharks. The 35-year-old hooker, who has not played since January due to injury and a disciplinary matter, is short of match fitness but is expected to strengthen the Stormers' set-piece under coach John Dobson. Mbonambi, a former Springbok with 82 caps, aims to revive his international career ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Dobson acknowledged Mbonambi would be off the pace in open play but confident in scrummaging and throwing, with limited time to learn the team’s lineout calls.
Sharks coach JP Pietersen wished Mbonambi well, expressing hope that he regains form and returns to the Springbok squad. Mbonambi previously played for the Stormers between 2015 and 2021 before moving to the Sharks, where he and Pietersen were briefly teammates for South Africa. The two teams will meet again in a URC derby on 5 December in Durban.
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