mens
United-rugby-championship
South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi is reportedly awaiting the outcome of a lengthy disciplinary hearing at Sharks for alleged misconduct during a team-building preseason in August.
According to the South African edition RapportThe 35-year-old was involved in an incident at Bayala Private Safari Lodges before the Sharks’ August 11 game against All black people. Head coach JP Pietersen reportedly allowed the players to hang out on Tuesday night before returning to full training, but Mbonambi, Trevor Nyakane and Eduan Swart reportedly continued until Wednesday morning.
Fez Mbatha also said he missed a team activity the next morning after a late night. Mbatha and Swart were subsequently given written warnings and their cases were reportedly treated as first offences. Nyakane is understood to have been in a different position as he was not present when Pietersen set the team rules.
Mbonambi’s case has taken longer to resolve and the Speaker’s decision is expected in the next two weeks. Reports in South Africa suggest the outcome could have significant implications for his future with the Durban franchise. Bok’s contract with 82 clubs does not expire until 2028, but could potentially be terminated earlier.
The two-time World Cup winner did not feature for the Sharks in the opening round of the URC and is not currently training with the team, despite reports that he is fit enough to play.
Asked about Mbonambi’s absence last week, Pietersen said: “Bongi is obviously not available. No comment on Bongi.”
The situation also leaves uncertainty about the veteran hooker’s international prospects. Mbonambi has not played for the Springboks since the start of the game Wales in Cardiff last November and has since dealt with knee and back injuries which, combined with his current situation, have kept him out since January.
South Africa will face Italy, Ireland and France in November, meaning the timing of the ruling could have ramifications for his hopes of returning to Test settings before the end of the year. Worse, it could seriously disrupt, or even end, any hopes Rassie Erasmus has of returning to the Springbok plans and leading to a third World Cup title next year.
