Confirmed: Bongi, Sharks part ways as hooker joins Stormers
by Craig Taylor · KickOffThe Sharks have confirmed that the club and Bongi Mbonambi have mutually agreed to end his playing contract with immediate effect.
The decision follows constructive discussions between both parties and has been reached on amicable terms, with the 35-year-old now set to join the Stormers.
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"Bongi is a Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok whose contribution to South African rugby speaks for itself,” Sharks CEO Shaun Bryans said in a statement released by the club.
“On behalf of everyone at the Sharks, I want to thank Bongi for his valued contribution to the club during his time in Durban. We wish Bongi every success in the next chapter of his career.
"As a club, our focus remains firmly on the current season and on building the identity and team culture that Head Coach JP Pietersen and the squad are driving."
Stormers coach John Dobson confirmed to that Mbonambi was coming to Cape Town.
The move comes after the Stormers lost three players to injury during their United Rugby Championship clash against Scarlets in Cape Town on Saturday.
Andre-Hugo Venter (elbow injury), replacement Lukhanyo Vokozela (HIA) and Deon Fourie (hamstring), who can play at No. 2, were all forced off the field against the Welsh side, with John Dobson admitting there is a crisis following the suspension of JJ Kotze for a dangerous tackle the previous week.
Such was the depth of the injury crisis that Scarra Ntubeni, who retired last season, has been called up to train with Dobson's charges.