{
  "id": 16891327,
  "title": "Bongi on Stormers bench for URC clash with Ulster, Nel returns to captain team",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/bongi-on-stormers-bench-for-urc-clash-with-ulster-nel-returns-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-28T11:23:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/bongi-stormers-bench-urc-clash-ulster-nel-returns-captain/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New recruit Bongi Mbonambi has been called up to the Stormers squad for their upcoming match against Ulster in the United Rugby Championship. The South African player, previously with the Stormers and Western Province, will take the field as a replacement. Vernon Paulo will start as hooker rather than the usual first-choice hooker. There are a total of 10 changes from the team that played last week, including the return of Ruhan Nel to captain the team from outside centre, alongside Jonathan Roche, who has recovered from concussion. Notable absences due to concussion protocols include Warrick Gelant, Hacjivah Dayimani, and Lukhanyo Vokozela. Damian Willemse will play fullback in place of Gelant, while Evan Roos moves to blindside flank and Louw Nel joins the starting line-up. The Stormers will be without JJ Kotzé due to suspension. The front row features Wilco Louw, Vernon Paulo, and Ntuthuko Mchunu, with André-Hugo Venter unavailable through injury. Director of Rugby John Dobson expressed the importance of the new combinations working effectively for the Stormers against a tough Ulster team.",
  "summary": "There are several changes to the side that played last weekend.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}