‘Bongi is not up for selection’

Sharks head coach JP Pietersen confirmed that hooker Bongi Mbonambi remains unavailable for selection ahead of Saturday's match against the Stormers, declining to comment further on his status. The announcement came alongside a list of ten sidelined players as the Sharks prepare for their United Rugby Championship clash in Cape Town.

Pietersen provided injury updates on other Springboks, noting that Jordan Hendrikse and Jaco Williams have returned to training and are under consideration for next week's Challenge Cup match against Lyon. Meanwhile, Vincent Tshituka is undergoing concussion protocols and Makazole Mapimpi is recovering from a hamstring injury, with both players targeting returns later this year.