The Stormers’ hooker nightmare has taken a dramatic twist with reports suggesting Springbok veteran Bongi Mbonambi is set to make a sensational return to Cape Town from the Sharks, a move born from equal parts desperation and controversy. Netwerk24 claims the 35-year-old is poised to rejoin his former franchise this week after allegedly falling out of favour in Durban amid disciplinary issues.
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The Stormers are in full-blown crisis mode after losing three hookers during Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Scarlets at Cape Town Stadium. André-Hugo Venter (elbow injury), replacement Lukhanyo Vokozela (HIA) and the versatile Deon Fourie (hamstring) were all forced off against the Welsh side, leaving John Dobson’s squad perilously thin in a specialist position.
The crisis deepened following JJ Kotze’s suspension for a dangerous tackle the previous week, effectively wiping out the Stormers’ entire first-choice hooking stocks in the space of seven days. It’s the stuff of coaching nightmares.
Calling in the cavalry, and the retired
Such is the severity of the situation that the Stormers resorted to sending an SOS to Scarra Ntubeni, who hung up his boots last season.
“Yes, we did send Scat an SOS call,” skills coach Labeeb Levy confirmed to reporters. “He just came to training today. We also have Vernon Paulo, who has been training and played earlier in the season. There is also the youngster Altus Rabe, who has played in the Currie Cup, so they are the three current players who are busy preparing.”
Enter Mbonambi, a 82-cap Springbok with the experience and pedigree to steady the ship.
Disciplinary drama in Durban
Mbonambi hasn’t featured for the Sharks all season whilst awaiting the outcome of an ongoing disciplinary hearing. Reports suggest he breached socialising protocols laid down by coach JP Pietersen during a team-building session, alongside teammates Eduan Swart and Trevor Nyakane.
For Mbonambi, it’s a return to familiar territory. He started his career at the Bulls before moving to the Stormers where he made 73 appearances between 2015 and 2021, establishing himself as one of South Africa’s premier hookers. H
Neither the Sharks nor Stormers have officially confirmed the move as of yet, but the whispers are growing louder.
Mbonambi, for all the controversy, remains a world-class operator when fit and focused. His set-piece work is exemplary, his ball-carrying underrated, and his experience invaluable.
The question is whether he can park whatever issues derailed his Sharks stint and rediscover the form that made him a Springbok regular. The Stormers are betting he can. They don’t have much choice.
