Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus has already made his feelings clear on Bongi Mbonambi's international future, but the veteran hooker now faces a fresh fight to save his World Cup dream.
The 35-year-old has found himself in hot water at the Sharks following an alleged breach of team rules during a pre-season camp.
Mbonambi is reportedly awaiting the outcome of a disciplinary hearing, with his future in Durban now under the spotlight.
The double World Cup winner has also missed the opening rounds of the United Rugby Championship.
With the 2027 Rugby World Cup edging closer, it's hardly the ideal preparation for a player hoping to make one final appearance on rugby's biggest stage.
Rassie Erasmus' comments on Bongi Mbonambi
Speaking in August, Erasmus appeared to leave the door wide open for Mbonambi's Springboks return.
“Bongi, I know, is close to returning again,” Erasmus said.
“He must just play some proper matches now and get it under his belt before we can have a look at him again.”
The Springboks boss also revealed that injuries had played their part in keeping the experienced hooker on the sidelines.
“Bongi had a knee injury and a lower back thing. The Sharks medical team must clear him first.”
Crucially, those comments came before the latest disciplinary reports emerged.
What happens next?
Mbonambi's immediate future remains up in the air, with a disciplinary outcome yet to be confirmed.
Sharks boss JP Pietersen has kept his cards close to his chest.
“Bongi is obviously not available. There is no comment on Bongi.”
RUCK verdict: Erasmus hasn't slammed the door shut on Mbonambi's Springboks career. Not yet, anyway.
But with Malcolm Marx setting the standard and the clock ticking towards 2027, the veteran hooker is running out of time to make his case.
And at 35, he can't afford too many more setbacks.
Five facts about Bongi Mbonambi
1. Full name: Mbongeni Mbonambi, although rugby supporters know him simply as Bongi.
2. Age: Born on 7 January 1991, the hooker is now 35.
3. World Cup winner: He helped South Africa lift the Webb Ellis Cup in both 2019 and 2023.
4. Club career: Mbonambi represented the Bulls and Stormers before joining the Sharks in 2021.
5. International experience: The powerful front-rower has earned 82 Springboks caps and built a reputation for his scrummaging, tackling and devastating driving maul.
