Overview
- A months-long internal disciplinary hearing into Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi is under way, with the presiding officer expected to issue a ruling within roughly two weeks.
- Reports say the case stems from an alleged breach of team rules at a pre-season team‑building stay at Bayala Private Safari Lodges when coach JP Pietersen set limits on socialising.
- Two teammates, Fez Mbatha and Eduan Swart, reportedly received written warnings and apologised while Trevor Nyakane was said to be excused because he was not at the rules briefing.
- Mbonambi has been kept out of Sharks training and is unavailable for selection despite being reported fit, and coach JP Pietersen has declined to comment beyond saying Mbonambi is not available.
- If the ruling finds against him the Sharks could terminate his contract, a result that would probably end his immediate hopes of a Springboks recall and remove veteran leadership from the squad.