The Scarlets' new signing Tom Allen is due to arrive in Llanelli from New Zealand this week, while Wales backrower Taine Plumtree is approaching fitness. Powerful second-row Allen has been playing for Hawke's Bay in the NPC, having also played for Super Rugby champions the Hurricanes this season. The arrival of the former New Zealand U20s international is timely because the Scarlets front five has lacked carrying power this season.
Scarlets injury boost
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel also revealed Plumtree is closing in on a return. "He (Plumtree) trained today, so I'm hoping he won't be too far away," said Peel. "So whether he makes this week or next week will be a call on how he pulls up after training today. It's good to have him [Plumtree]. Fletcher [Anderson] coming back last week was good. Tom Allen will arrive this week as well, which is another timely boost for us."
Peel is also hoping summer signing Corey Domachowski will recover from a chest injury for the upcoming tour of South Africa. "Corey (Domachowski) isn't too far away," said Peel. "We are hoping he will make the South Africa trip next week [to face Stormers and Bulls in the United Rugby Championship]. We have a couple more boys to come back on top of that. It's positive from that perspective."
Mbonambi omitted again
South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi has again been left out of the Sharks squad amid an ongoing disciplinary investigation into alleged misconduct during a pre-season team-building trip. The double Rugby World Cup winner was absent from the 28-man squad named by head coach JP Pietersen on Wednesday for three upcoming overseas fixtures in the EPCR Challenge Cup. Mbonambi, 35, was not included in the touring party and was also absent from the Sharks' published injury list, despite reports suggesting he is fit to play.
The latest omission comes after it emerged last week that the veteran hooker's future at the Durban-based franchise could be in doubt. Afrikaans newspaper Rapport reported that Mbonambi was among the players accused of breaching team protocols during a pre-season team-building exercise at Bayala Private Safari Lodges. The allegations relate to claims that players continued socialising into the early hours despite instructions from the coaching staff regarding their return to training.
Mbonambi is reportedly considered one of the most serious alleged offenders, with the Sharks said to be considering disciplinary action that could put his contract at risk. The franchise has declined to comment on the matter while the disciplinary process continues. Mbonambi has won 82 caps for South Africa and played a key role in their Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023. His continued absence also raises questions over his international future, with the Springboks preparing for the November Test window.
Feyi-Waboso fitness update
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is expected to be fit for England's autumn campaign after receiving a positive update on his hamstring injury. Feyi-Waboso hobbled off in the second half of Exeter's 34-28 victory over Newcastle last weekend, all but ruling the explosive wing out of Sunday's Investec Champions Cup visit to Toulouse. But Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter insists he is expected to return sooner rather than later, suggesting he should be available for the opening Nations Championship fixture against Australia on November 8.
Baxter said: "Manny's got some awareness there. The scan doesn't show up too much and on testing he's very good. So we're hopeful that we can treat the symptoms he's showing and see where he gets to over the next week or so. Looking at how he's reporting post-game and yesterday (Monday), there's nothing I'm hearing from our physios saying there should be a long-term issue now. Seeing that he's reporting so well and he's functionally so good, there may not need to be too much intervention."
Feyi-Waboso has been limited to 16 caps since making his debut two years ago due to a series of injuries including shoulder, hamstring and concussion, and England will be eager for their most dangerous attacking player to be involved this autumn. The 23-year-old is one of 25 centrally contracted players, giving England control over his medical arrangements, and he has already been assessed by one of their physios. Baxter said: "England like players to go and see certain specialists and we're in a delicate time for both parties. We're desperate for Manny to play because we've got some important games and England want him to be able to feature in the autumn. Hopefully there won't be any dispute based on where Manny feels he is."
