Bongi Mbonambi is back at the Stormers: Ulster kick-off and TV
Bongi Mbonambi has signed a one-year deal with the Stormers and is on the bench against Ulster at DHL Stadium on Saturday, 31 October 2026, at 14:45 on SuperSport.
Double World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi has signed a one-year contract with the DHL Stormers and is on the bench for Saturday's URC match against Ulster at DHL Stadium in Cape Town (DHL Stormers). It is his first game back for the club he left for the Sharks in 2021 (SuperSport).
Why did the Stormers sign Bongi Mbonambi?
The Stormers are short of hookers. The club says André-Hugo Venter, Deon Fourie, Lukhanyo Vokozela, Almero Keizer and Luca Bakkes are all injured, and JJ Kotzé is serving a suspension (DHL Stormers).
Director of Rugby John Dobson said: "We have been hit hard with both injuries and suspension to our hookers, so we are delighted to welcome Bongi back to the fold" (DHL Stormers). Mbonambi earned 74 Stormers caps between 2015 and 2021 and is available with immediate effect (DHL Stormers).
When is Stormers vs Ulster and where can I watch it?
| Match | Stormers vs Ulster (URC Round 5) |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 31 October 2026 |
| Kick-off | 14:45 SA time |
| Venue | DHL Stadium, Cape Town |
| Gates open | 12:45 |
| TV in SA | SuperSport |
| Referee | Sam Grove-White (Scotland) |
It is the Stormers' last match at DHL Stadium until 19 December, and tickets are sold at stormers.co.za (DHL Stormers; DHL Stormers).
Who is in the Stormers team?
Ruhan Nel is back to captain a side with 10 changes. Vernon Paulo starts at hooker, with Mbonambi among the replacements (DHL Stormers).
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Backs | Damian Willemse, Seabelo Senatla, Ruhan Nel (captain), Jonathan Roche, Leolin Zas, Yaqeen Ahmed, Cobus Reinach |
| Forwards | Evan Roos, Louw Nel, Paul de Villiers, JD Schickerling, Adré Smith, Wilco Louw, Vernon Paulo, Ntuthuko Mchunu |
| Replacements | Bongi Mbonambi, Vernon Matongo, Neethling Fouché, Riley Norton, Connor Evans, Wandile Mlaba, Haashim Pead, Wandisile Simelane |
How do I get to DHL Stadium?
The club urges fans to use the free MyCiTi shuttles from the Civic Centre and Thibault Square bus stations, which start at 12:15 and are free with a match ticket. There are no shuttles from the CTICC this week. Precinct parking at P4 and P9 costs R80, card only (DHL Stormers).
FAQ
Has Bongi Mbonambi joined the Stormers?
Yes. The DHL Stormers say he has signed a one-year contract and is available with immediate effect.
What time is Stormers vs Ulster?
Kick-off is at 14:45 SA time on Saturday, 31 October 2026, at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
What channel is Stormers vs Ulster on?
The match is live on SuperSport in South Africa.
Sources
- DHL Stormers: Mbonambi returns to DHL Stormers
- DHL Stormers: Shake-up for Ulster clash
- DHL Stormers: All you need to know, Stormers v Ulster
- Planet Rugby: URC Round Five kick-off times and how to watch
- SuperSport: Bongi returns from bench and Nel is back to lead Stormers
- Wikimedia Commons: Gilbert rugby ball on grass (Hélène Brasseur, CC BY 2.0)
