Bongi Mbonambi, an experienced scrumhalf who won the World Cup title with the Springbok national team, has immediately returned to the Stormers squad following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract with the Sharks, thus concluding his spell in Durban.
The 35-year-old player signed a one-year contract with the Cape Town-based team and is ready for selection in Saturday's United Rugby Championship match against Ulster, which will be held at the Cape Town Stadium. His return could provide timely reinforcement amid a crisis of injuries in the scrumhalf position.
The Sharks confirmed on Wednesday that they reached an amicable agreement with Mbonambi to terminate his contract immediately, following discussions between both parties. This departure followed a months-long disciplinary dispute, which was reportedly related to an alleged breach of team rules during a team-building event at a safari lodge before the Sharks vs. All Blacks match on August 11.
Neither the Sharks nor the Stormers made a statement disclosing the terms of Mbonambi's exit. Sharks Executive Committee Chairman, Shaun Brianes, thanked the experienced scrumhalf for his contribution to the Durban franchise.
Brianes noted: 'Bongi is a World Cup winner with the Springbok team, whose contribution to South African rugby speaks for itself.' He added: 'On behalf of everyone at the Sharks, I want to thank Bongi for his valuable contribution to the club during his time in Durban. We wish Bongi all the best in the next chapter of his career.'
Brianes also emphasized that the Sharks remain focused on the current season and on shaping the identity and team culture promoted by head coach JP Pietersen and his team.
For Mbonambi, the next chapter begins in a familiar place. He represented the Stormers 74 times between 2015 and 2021 and played for the Springboks during his first stint in Cape Town before moving to Durban.
Stormers Rugby Director John Dobson welcomed the opportunity to bring back the veteran, especially given the number of front-row players currently unavailable. Injured players include Andre-Hugo Winter, Deon Fury, Lukahno Vokozela, Almero Kaiser, and Luka Backes, while J.J. Kotze is serving a suspension.
Dobson stated: 'We all know the quality Bongi brings, and it is fantastic that we managed to arrange this deal so quickly.' He added: 'We are grateful to both Bongi and the Sharks for helping make this happen.'
Dobson also highlighted Mbonambi's high level of preparation. He remarked: 'Bongi became a Springbok player while playing for us and proved he is one of the best in the world at centre-front row. We have suffered greatly from injuries and suspensions among our scrumhalves, so we are delighted to welcome Bongi back to the squad.'
Mbonambi expressed his joy at returning to the club where he spent some of the most memorable years of his career. He said: 'I spent many incredible years playing for the Stormers, so returning to Cape Town, surrounded by so many people I know and respect, is fantastic.' He concluded: 'This club is in great shape, and I want to do everything possible to contribute to that.'