Bongi returns from bench and Nel is back to lead Stormers

Double World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi will make his return to playing for the DHL Stormers off the bench in Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash with Ulster in Cape Town.

It was confirmed earlier on Wednesday that the Springbok hooker had landed in Cape Town on Tuesday night ready to start his second career with the Stormers. He earned 74 caps in a first stint that ended with his departure for the Hollywoodbets Sharks in 2021.

Bongi is back. #inittogether https://t.co/EOwXI4aKfl — DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) October 28, 2026

The Sharks announced on Wednesday morning that the Bok’s contract with the Durban club had been terminated with immediate effect and by mutual consent.

Vernon Paulo will start at hooker against Ulster as a replacement for the injured regular first choice Andre-Hugo Venter, who is injured. Also out injured is last week’s backup hooker against the Scarlets, Lukhanyo Vokozela, while JJ Kotzé is serving a suspension until mid December.

The change at hooker is one of several to the team that started the 52-40 win over Scarlets, with the return of regular captain and leader of the defence, Ruhan Nel, a headliner given the defensive problems the Stormers experienced last time out.

He replaces Wandisile Simelane, who moves to the bench.

Jonathan Roche returns to partner Nel in the midfield after recovering from the concussion that sidelined him last weekend.

He replaces new Springbok selection Markus Muller.

On the subject of Boks, Damian Willemse returns for Warrick Gelant at fullback and Wilco Louw will start his second game at tighthead.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is one Bok being rested this week and newly selected Bok Yaqeen Ahmed comes in alongside established Bok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach. Both played off the bench last week.

There is rotation at lock, with last week’s starters finishing this time and Adre Smith and JD Schickerling returning to the starting team.

Vernon Matongo is back as the loosehead backup and he has good front row reserve company in the form of Mbonambi and Neethling Fouche.

Evan Roos moves back to No 8 for the injured Hacjivah Dayimani and Louw Nel is back at blindside flank.

Here is our team to take on Ulster at DHL Stadium this weekend. 📢 Team announcement https://t.co/GylMrpJHuk 🎟️ Tickets https://t.co/JFWS04Tn4T #STOvULS @Vodacom #URC #inittogether https://t.co/vq72spqloQ — DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) October 28, 2026

DHL STORMERS TEAM: Damian Willemse, Seabelo Senatla, Ruhan Nel (captain), Jonathan Roche, Leolin Zas, Yaqeen Ahmed, Cobus Reinach, Evan Roos, Louw Nel, Paul de Villiers, JD Schickerling, Adre Smith, Wilco Louw, Vernon Paulo, Ntuthuko Mchunu.

REPLACEMENTS: Bongi Mbonambi, Vernon Matongo, Neethling Fouche, Riley Norton, Connor Evans, Wandile Mlaba, Haashim Pead, Wandisile Simelane.