Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi could have his Sharks contract terminated following an alleged breach of team rules, with Malcolm Marx now linked with a move to Durban.
According to Netwerk24, the 35-year-old has been involved in a disciplinary hearing lasting several months. A final decision is expected within the next two weeks.
The uncertainty over Mbonambi’s future has also opened the door for the Sharks to target Marx.
Netwerk24 have also reported that the Durban side are now considering a move for the World Cup-winning hooker, who has been linked with the Bulls for the past two months.
The Bulls had been leading the race for Marx, but the Sharks could now beat their rivals to his signature.
The current World Rugby Player of the Year is under contract with Japanese club Kubota Spears until June 2027.
Mbonambi’s future at the Sharks is in doubt following an alleged incident during a pre-season team-building trip to Bayala Private Safari Lodges.
The trip took place before the Sharks faced the All Blacks on 11 August.
Head coach JP Pietersen had given the squad permission to socialise on Tuesday evening. However, he expected everyone to return to training as normal afterwards.
Mbonambi, Trevor Nyakane and Eduan Swart allegedly continued drinking and socialising into Wednesday morning, despite Pietersen confronting them.
Mbonambi is reportedly facing the toughest punishment of the group. He had attended a meeting where the squad’s rules and expectations were made clear.
Nyakane, who reportedly missed that meeting, is said to have avoided a harsher sanction.
Fellow hooker Fez Mbatha was also accused of missing a team activity on Wednesday morning after staying out late.
Mbatha and Swart later faced disciplinary hearings and received written warnings.
The Sharks reportedly took their clean disciplinary records into account. They also considered whether the pair had been influenced by older and more experienced teammates.
The case has already affected Mbonambi’s role at the club.
Despite being fit to play, the Springboks hooker is currently not training with the rest of the squad.
Pietersen was asked this week why Mbonambi was unavailable for selection but refused to discuss the matter.
The 35-year-old has been a key figure for South Africa, helping the Springboks win back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023.
He also faced an investigation during the 2023 World Cup after England flanker Tom Curry made an allegation against him.
World Rugby later closed the case, citing insufficient evidence.
