Stormers Coach Breaks Silence on Bongi Mbonambi’s Disciplinary Issues at the Sharks
- John Dobson has addressed the circumstances surrounding Bongi Mbonambi’s departure from the Sharks
- The Stormers coach has explained why his previous experience with the Springbok hooker matters
- Mbonambi’s return to Cape Town comes with an immediate challenge as he works towards regaining match fitness
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Stormers coach John Dobson has addressed the controversy surrounding Bongi Mbonambi’s departure from the Sharks, explaining why the Cape Town franchise remains comfortable bringing the experienced Springbok hooker back into its squad.
SA Rugby Magazine reported on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, that Mbonambi had signed a one-year deal with the Stormers following his exit from the Durban-based club.
The 35-year-old is expected to make his return against Ulster at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, 31 October. He previously played for the Stormers between 2015 and 2021 before moving to the Sharks.
His departure came after a disciplinary dispute over an alleged breach of the Sharks’ team rules. Dobson said he could not comment on the circumstances in Durban but made it clear that his own working relationship with Mbonambi had been positive.
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“I worked with Bongi for quite a few years at the Stormers. There were high levels of trust and professionalism.
“I worked with him in the Baa-Baas as well. I can’t speak to what happened at the Sharks, but our experience with Bongi has been extremely positive,” Dobson said, according to SA Rugby Magazine.
Why the Stormers were willing to sign Bongi Mbonambi
Dobson explained that the move came together after he contacted Mbonambi about his future, with the Stormers needing cover at hooker and the player keen to return to the Springbok set-up.
The coach also acknowledged the Sharks’ role in facilitating the move, saying the club “didn’t want to punish Bongi” and had signed his release.
Dobson stressed that the deal was intended to address the Stormers’ immediate needs rather than represent a long-term commitment.
“It’s not a long-term contract. He’s really coming in as injury cover,” he said.
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Bongi Mbonambi faces a race to regain match fitness
Mbonambi has not played a competitive match this season and, when Dobson spoke to SA Rugby Magazine, had not trained with his new teammates.
The Stormers coach said getting him back on the field quickly was important because the team was approaching a three- or four-week break. Delaying his return could mean another four or five weeks without a match.
“His throwing in is no issue whatsoever,” Dobson said. “Scrum time is no issue. Learning our maps [plays] is a bit of a challenge.”
He added that Mbonambi remained one of the leading set-piece specialists, although he would need time to settle into the team’s playing patterns.
The return also gives the 35-year-old an opportunity to build towards the Springboks’ 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign. His immediate priority, however, is to regain competitive sharpness and establish himself in the Stormers side.
Dobson’s comments distinguish between Mbonambi’s unresolved circumstances at the Sharks and the Stormers’ experience working with him. The hooker now has an opportunity to resume playing in Cape Town, with his expected appearance against Ulster potentially marking the first step in his comeback.
Bongi Mbonambi’s Sharks exit takes a new turn
Briefly News previously reported that the Sharks confirmed Bongi Mbonambi’s departure after a disciplinary dispute over an alleged breach of team rules.
The Springbok hooker’s exit followed an agreement by both parties to terminate his contract with immediate effect.
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Source: Briefly News
