DURBAN - The Sharks have confirmed the departure of Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi.

According to a statement from the Durban-based club, both parties agreed to end his contract with immediate effect.

It follows reports that the double World Cup-winning hooker was set to return to the Stormers.

"The decision follows constructive discussions between both parties and has been reached on amicable terms," the Durban club said in a statement on Wednesday.

Mbonambi had been involved in a disciplinary dispute with the Sharks over an alleged breach of team rules.

He had not trained with the team despite being fit enough to play, with coach JP Pietersen declining to comment on his absence.

Mbonambi is set to feature for the Stormers as early as this weekend against Ulster at Cape Town Stadium.

The 35-year-old is said to have signed a one-year contract with the Stormers, who he represented on 74 occasions between 2015 and 2021 before joining the Sharks.