Sharks coach JP Pietersen has broken his silence on Bongi Mbonambi's departure, wishing the hooker well after his mid-season move to the Stormers was confirmed this week.
Pietersen, who had repeatedly declined to discuss Mbonambi during earlier press briefings, struck a warmer tone when asked about the switch after naming his side to face Munster in Limerick on Saturday.
"He's taken a new chapter at the Stormers, and I've sent a WhatsApp message to him just to wish him all the best as a coach and former player too," Pietersen said. "Hopefully he can get back into the Springbok mix and play Bongi's good rugby."
Mbonambi had not featured for the Sharks since January, sidelined initially by knee and lower-back injuries before becoming involved in an internal disciplinary matter related to an alleged breach of team protocols during a pre-season camp in Zululand.
The move happened with remarkable speed. Stormers director of rugby John Dobson contacted Mbonambi on Monday afternoon with a contract offer, and by Wednesday morning the 35-year-old was already on the training field in Cape Town — named on the bench for Saturday's URC clash against Ulster.
The urgency on the Stormers' side was clear. During last weekend's 52-40 win over Scarlets, André-Hugo Venter suffered a serious elbow injury, Lukhanyo Vokozela failed a HIA and JJ Kotze was unavailable through suspension, forcing the club to call Scarra Ntubeni out of retirement as emergency cover.
Mbonambi returns to familiar surroundings, having represented the Stormers between 2015 and 2021 before his move to Durban. Pietersen acknowledged the relationships the 82-Test veteran had built at the Sharks.
"Obviously there are some fond memories that he's shared with some players. I want to wish him and his family all the best as he takes on a new chapter at the Stormers. Hopefully everything works out for him, and we'll probably see him soon."
With Mbonambi's last Test appearance coming in November, regular game time at the Stormers is his clearest path back into Rassie Erasmus's plans ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.