Pietersen breaks silence on Bongi’s controversial Sharks exit
INTERVIEW: Sharks coach JP Pietersen has wished former teammate and Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi well following his swift move to the Stormers, expressing hope that the double Rugby World Cup winner can revive his international career.
The 82-Test veteran completed a mid-season switch to Cape Town this week after the Stormers moved quickly to secure his services amid an injury crisis at hooker.
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson contacted Mbonambi with a contract offer on Monday afternoon. By Wednesday morning, the 35-year-old was training with his new team and had been named on the bench for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Ulster.
Mbonambi had not played for the Sharks since January, having been sidelined by knee and lower-back injuries before becoming embroiled in an internal disciplinary matter following an alleged breach of team protocols during a pre-season camp in Zululand.
His absence had prompted questions, with Pietersen repeatedly declining to comment when asked about the hooker during earlier press briefings.
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“We wish Bongi every success in the next chapter of his career”
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However, after naming his Sharks team to face Munster in Limerick on Saturday, Pietersen struck a supportive note when asked about Mbonambi’s departure.
“He’s taken a new chapter at the Stormers, and I’ve sent a WhatsApp message to him just to wish him all the best as a coach and former player too,” Pietersen said.
“Hopefully he can get back into the Springbok mix and play Bongi’s good rugby.”
Pietersen also acknowledged Mbonambi’s contribution during his time at the Durban franchise and the relationships he had built within the squad.
“Obviously there are some fond memories that he’s shared with some players. I want to wish him and his family all the best as he takes on a new chapter at the Stormers.
“Hopefully everything works out for him, and we’ll probably see him soon.”
Mbonambi previously represented the Stormers between 2015 and 2021 before joining the Sharks. He and Pietersen also shared the Springbok jersey during their international careers.
The move offers Mbonambi an opportunity to get regular game time and put himself back in the frame for Springbok selection ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. He has not played a Test since November last year.
For the Stormers, his arrival comes at a crucial time. Their hooker resources were severely stretched during last weekend’s 52-40 win over Scarlets, with André-Hugo Venter suffering a serious elbow injury, Lukhanyo Vokozela failing a head injury assessment and JJ Kotze unavailable through suspension.
The injury crisis forced the Cape side to call 35-year-old Scarra Ntubeni out of retirement as emergency cover.
Dobson has welcomed Mbonambi’s arrival, highlighting the experience and set-piece strength he brings, while acknowledging that the veteran may be short of match fitness if called upon for an extended spell.
The Stormers are also familiar territory for Mbonambi, giving him an opportunity to make an immediate impact as he looks to reignite his Springbok ambitions.
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