Mbonambi joins Stormers following Sharks exit

October 28, 2026 130

Stormers Director of Rugby, John Dobson, has no concerns about Bongi Mbonambi’s history with the Sharks and says they will help fast-track the Springbok hooker’s return to action as he targets a third Rugby World Cup next year.

The 35-year-old is set to feature off the bench against Ulster on Saturday, after signing a one-year deal with the Stormers. Mbonambi previously represented the Cape side between 2015 and 2021 before joining the Sharks.

Mbonambi had been involved in a disciplinary dispute with the Durban-based club over an alleged breach of team rules.

“It was common knowledge that Bongi’s relationship with the Sharks was coming to an end, and we had a problem at hooker,” Dobson said on Wednesday afternoon.

“I gave Bongi a ring and said, ‘if you do finish with the Sharks, would you be interested in coming to us?’

“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 acknowledged Mbonambi hasn’t played a competitive match this season, which could matter be a concern of hooker, Vernon Paulo, goes down early against Ulster on Saturday.

“He’s in good physical shape, but he hasn’t trained,” Dobson said. “That’s why we were so anxious to rush him in, for want of a better phrase.”