The Stormers have been hit by a massive blow as hooker Bongi Mbonambi is unlikely to be involved in the rest of their Vodacom Super Rugby campaign.

Mbonambi had to be helped from the field during the team’s opening win over the Hurricanes at Newlands after suffering a hamstring injury in the second half.

The injury kept him out of the derby win over the Vodacom Bulls last Saturday, but it has since been confirmed that it is severe enough to put his season in doubt.

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The 27-year-old underwent surgery this week and could also miss the July Test series against Scotland and Georgia.

‘We originally thought it was a partial tear, but after further consultation, we got the news that the hamstring had torn completely,’ Stormers coach John Dobson said.

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The Stormers will now be focused on keeping Scarra Ntubeni fully fit for the rest of the season. The other hookers in their Super Rugby squad are Chad Solomon and youngsters Schalk Erasmus and Dan Jooste.

As an added concern, both scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies and flank Jaco Coetzee are struggling with niggles and are doubtful for this weekend’s trip to Ellis Park to take on the Lions. Should Jantjies not be fit, Godlen Masimla could be set to start his first game for the Stormers since 2017.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images