Bongi Mbonambi is awaiting the outcome of a formal disciplinary hearing after reportedly breaching Sharks head coach JP Pietersen's conduct rules during the franchise's pre-season team-building camp at a game reserve. The 82-Test hooker has been absent for all three of the Sharks' URC matches this season, with Rapport linking his unavailability directly to the disciplinary process rather than injury.
Trevor Nyakane, Fez Mbatha and Eduan Swart were also implicated in the incident. Nyakane appears to have avoided sanction on the basis that he was not present when Pietersen set out the socialising guidelines for the camp. Mbatha and Swart received written warnings and have since apologised for their conduct.
Mbonambi's situation is the most serious of the four. The presiding officer in his disciplinary matter is expected to deliver findings within the next two weeks. The 35-year-old has been out of Springbok contention since last year through injury, making his standing at the Sharks all the more significant to his prospects of a Test recall.