Stormers coach back Mbonambi despite Sharks controversy as Bok star eyes return

Mbonambi, 35, is expected to make his first appearance for the Cape side since returning on a one-year deal when he comes off the bench against Ulster at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

The Springbok star previously played for the Stormers between 2015 and 2021 before moving to Durban, where a disciplinary dispute over an alleged breach of team rules preceded his departure.

"It was common knowledge that Bongi's relationship with the Sharks was coming to an end and we had a problem at hooker," Dobson said.

"I gave Bongi a ring and said,  'if you do finish with the Sharks, would you be interested in coming to us?'

"There were some other conversations around Bongi's future over the next few months and what his aspirations were about getting back into the national team. He said he'd love to.

"The Sharks expedited things and signed the release so that he could come and play for us. It was just good timing."

Dobson said there was no lingering concern over the circumstances surrounding Mbonambi's exit, saying the Sharks "didn't want to punish Bongi".

"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," he said.

"It's not a long-term contract. He's really coming in as injury cover."

Mbonambi has not played a competitive match this season, however, a factor which Dobson acknowledged.

"He's in good physical shape but he hasn't trained," he said. "That's why we were so anxious to rush him in, for want of a better phrase. We have to get him back on the field.

"His throwing in is no issue whatsoever," Dobson added. "Scrum time is no issue, [but] learning our maps [set moves] is a bit of a challenge."