28 October 2026
A catastrophic injury toll has forced the DHL Stormers into an emergency front-row rebuild, prompting the recruitment of double World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi and an urgent recall for retired veteran Scarra Ntubeni.
The Stormers' hooker resources were completely wiped out during a chaotic URC clash against the Scarlets. Starting hooker André-Hugo Venter suffered a severe elbow injury, while replacement Lukhanyo Vokozela failed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA). Deon Fourie, who covers the position, also limped off with a hamstring injury, forcing the match to finish with uncontested scrums and leaving Vernon Paulo as the franchise's lone fit senior No. 2.
Management responded by issuing an urgent SOS to 35-year-old Scarra Ntubeni, who had hung up his boots at the end of the recent Currie Cup season. The veteran immediately agreed to return as a "medical joker" and reported for training on Tuesday to provide immediate cover.
“Have we sent Scat an SOS call? Yes, we did. He’s just come into training,” Levy told the media. “We’ve got Vernon, who’s been training and playing as well, and then also the young Rabe, who’s played in the Currie Cup.”
“Scarra’s possibly the third one, in case there’s an injury in our training today, or on the captain’s run.”
At the same time, the Stormers allegedly secured the blockbuster signing of Mbonambi from the Hollywoodbets Sharks, effective immediately, to permanently anchor the scrum.
The massive injury void in Cape Town opened the door for Mbonambi's sudden cross-franchise switch. The 35-year-old Springbok veteran had been completely frozen out of team selection and training sessions in Durban following a prolonged disciplinary dispute over an alleged breach of team protocol during a pre-season camp. Despite being fully fit, the combative front-rower had not featured for the KwaZulu-Natal franchise this season, paving the way for an immediate release.
The high-profile squad changes serve as a critical lifeline for Mbonambi's international ambitions while stabilising the Stormers' campaign. Returning to the side he previously represented between 2015 and 2021 allows Mbonambi to secure regular competitive rugby. The move provides him with a vital platform to stake his claim under Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus ahead of upcoming international commitments and the 2027 Rugby World Cup.