Bongi Mbonambi, born on 7 January 1991, is a South African professional rugby union player.
He currently plays as a hooker for the United Rugby Championship (URC) team Sharks and the South Africa national rugby team, also known as the Springboks.
Mbonambi’s position is hooker, and he previously played for the Blue Bulls.
You can find Bongi Mbonambi’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, and more here.
Bongi Mbonambi’s Biography
| Full name | Mbongeni Theo Mbonambi |
| Nickname | Bongi |
| Date of birth | 7 January 1991 |
| Place of birth | Bethlehem, South Africa |
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Weight | 108 kg (17 st 0 lb; 238 lb) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Current Net Worth | $2 Million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Anastacia |
| Instagram Profile | mr_mbonambi |
Mbongeni Theo ‘Bongi’ Mbonambi was born on 7 January 1991 in Bethlehem, South Africa. His parents had a keen interest in sports, influencing his decision to pursue a rugby career.
Mbonambi, also known as Bongi, attended St. Alban’s College and later the Tshwane University of Technology.
Club Career
Mbonambi started his professional career at the Bulls franchise before moving to the Stormers in 2015.
In June 2021, he announced he would join the Sharks, following South Africa captain Siya Kolisi to the Durban-based team.
He made his senior debut during the 2012 Super Rugby season against the Crusaders in Pretoria.
Springboks Career
Mbonambi made his Springbok debut against Ireland as a substitute for the then Springbok captain, Adriaan Strauss, in June 2016.
He was named in South Africa’s squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which South Africa won, defeating England in the final.
As of October 2021, Mbonambi had played 65 matches and scored 14 tries. He has been a pivotal player for the Springboks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Wife
Mbonambi is married to Anastacia. They married in a colorful ceremony in 2017 and have been together ever since.
Bongi Mbonambi’s Net Worth Details
Bongi Mbonambi’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million as of 2025. The Springboks hooker’s prime source of earnings is his South Africa rugby union salary, club salaries, and sponsorship deals.
Salary and Career Earnings
Top-earning Springboks earn between R240 000 and R2 million per year.
In 2023, Mbongeni Mbonambi had a salary of approximately $700,000 annually.
This income is derived from his professional rugby career, where he plays as a hooker for the United Rugby Championship (URC) team Sharks and the South Africa national rugby team, also known as the Springboks.
| Year | Salary |
| 2022 | $700,000 |
| 2023 | $700,000 |
Career Stats
| Matches | Points | Tries | Conversions | Turnovers |
| 65 | 70 | 14 | 0 | 0 |
FAQs
Who is Bongi Mbonambi?
Bongi Mbonambi is a South African professional rugby player. He was born on January 7, 1991, in Bethlehem, Free State. He plays as a hooker for the Sharks and the South African national team (Springboks).
What teams has Bongi Mbonambi played for?
Mbonambi has played for several teams throughout his career. He started with the Blue Bulls and Bulls, then moved to the Stormers and Western Province. He plays for the Sharks and has been a regular fixture in the South African national team since 2016.
What are some of Bongi Mbonambi’s biggest achievements?
Mbonambi was part of the South African team winning the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and 2023. He also won the Currie Cup with Western Province in 2017 and the United Rugby Championship with the Stormers in 2022.
How many international caps does Bongi Mbonambi have?
Bongi Mbonambi has earned 68 caps for the South African national team. He made his debut for the Springboks in 2016 against Ireland.
What’s special about Bongi Mbonambi’s playing style?
Mbonambi is known for his tenacity, work rate, and physical presence on the field despite not being the biggest player. He’s particularly effective in set pieces and open play, with strong defensive skills and an ability to impact all over the pitch.
Has Bongi Mbonambi faced any significant challenges in his career?
Yes, Mbonambi has overcome several challenges. Early in his career, he was told he was too small to succeed in professional rugby. In 2018, he had a serious health scare with a burst appendix that required emergency surgery and a long recovery period.
Is Bongi Mbonambi married?
Yes, Bongi Mbonambi is married to Anastacia Mbonambi. They got married in 2017 and have a daughter together.
What’s Bongi Mbonambi’s background?
Mbonambi grew up in a strict household in Bethlehem, Free State. His father was a policeman, and his mother a nurse. He attended St. Alban’s College in Pretoria and later studied at Tshwane University of Technology.
What position does Bongi Mbonambi play?
Mbonambi primarily plays as a hooker, which is a key position in the front row of the scrum. He’s known for his set-piece accuracy and work rate in open play.
Was Bongi Mbonambi involved in any controversies during the 2023 Rugby World Cup?
Yes, during the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final against England, Mbonambi was accused of using a racial slur against England player Tom Curry. However, after an investigation, World Rugby found insufficient evidence to proceed with charges, and Mbonambi was cleared to play in the final.
