Knee injury could sideline Springbok Mbonambi for six months

English Woman's Journal - Knee injury could sideline Springbok Mbonambi for six months

SPORTS 15.11.2023

Knee injury could sideline Springbok Mbonambi for six months / Photo: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT - AFP/File

Bongi Mbonambi, a 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok, could be sidelined for six months due to a knee injury, Sharks coach John Plumtree said on Wednesday.

Change text size:

The injury forced the 32-year-old hooker to leave the field early in the World Cup final victory over New Zealand in Paris last month.

"Bongi could be out for six months," said New Zealander Plumtree after the Durban-based Sharks returned from a United Rugby Championship tour of Europe in which they lost all four games.

South Africa next play in July 2024, hosting Ireland in a two-Test series. The Irish beat the Springboks in a World Cup pool match, but lost to New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

England forward Tom Curry accused Mbonambi of making a racial slur in the World Cup semi-finals, but World Rugby found insufficient evidence and closed the case.

Further bad news for Sharks is that another Springbok two-time World Cup winner, tighthead prop Vincent Koch, will be out of action for up to three months due to a knee injury.

P.Mitchell--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Knee injury could sideline Springbok Mbonambi for six months