Bongi Mbonambi’s Sharks career is hanging in the balance as the Springbok hooker awaits a disciplinary ruling over alleged misconduct.
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According to Rapport, the 35-year-old is embroiled in a months-long disciplinary hearing, with a decision from the presiding officer expected within the next two weeks.
The case reportedly stems from an alleged breach of team rules during a pre-season team-building session at Bayala Private Safari Lodges, before the Sharks’ 11 August clash against the All Blacks.
Rapport says coach JP Pietersen instructed players they could socialise on Tuesday evening but then had to focus ahead of the return to full training. Mbonambi, Trevor Nyakane and Eduan Swart allegedly continued socialising into Wednesday morning, despite Pietersen confronting them.
Mbonambi had reportedly attended the meeting at which the rules were outlined.
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Fellow hooker Fez Mbatha also allegedly missed a team activity on Wednesday morning after a late night.
Mbatha and Swart subsequently faced disciplinary hearings and received written warnings, with the Sharks reportedly taking into account that these were first offences and that the pair may have been influenced by more senior teammates.
Nyakane, meanwhile, could escape more serious punishment because he was not present at Tuesday’s meeting when Pietersen laid down the rules.
The uncertainty has already affected Mbonambi’s involvement with the Sharks. He is not training with his teammates, despite being fit enough to play.
Pietersen was asked this week why the hooker was unavailable for selection.
“Bongi is obviously not available. There is no comment on Bongi,” he replied.
The situation also raises questions over Mbonambi’s availability for the Springboks’ November Tests against Italy, Ireland and France.
The hooker has not played since 17 January and has also struggled with knee and back injuries.
His last Test appearance was against Wales in Cardiff on 25 November last year.
Originally published by SA Rugby Magazine.
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