In recent weeks, Bongi Mbonambi has become conspicuous by his absence from the Sharks squad.
Believed to be fully fit, he has still not been part of training or the recent matchday squads, and this past weekend it emerged that his contract at the Sharks could be under threat due to a misconduct issue.
According to Rapport, the World Cup-winning hooker has been viewed as the most serious violator of team protocols during a recent team-building session.
The report suggests Mbonambi was one of the players who disobeyed the instructions from the coach during a pre-season team building exercise, with the 35-year-old apparently accused of ‘socialising’ until the early hours of the morning.
Bongi Mbonambi left out of latest squad
On Wednesday, Sharks head coach JP Pietersen selected a 28-man squad for three upcoming overseas matches, but there was no mention or inclusion of Mbonambi.
The Springbok stalwart was not picked in the touring group, and there was also no mention of him in the list of injured players.
It all comes at a time when Mbonambi’s Springbok prospects have already appeared to be in jeopardy in recent seasons.
Sharks EPCR Challenge Cup squad
Forwards: Cameron Dawson, Deon Slabbert, Eduan Swart, Emile van Heerden, Esethu Mnebelele, Ethan Bester, Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins, Manu Tshituka, Matt Romao, Nemo Roelofse, Nick Hatton, Phatu Ganyane, Stephan Lewies, Tinotenda Mavesere, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka.
Backs: Bradley Davids, Gianni Lombard, Ivan van Zyl, Jaco Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Litelihle Bester, Murray Koster, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Zekhethelo Siyaya.
Injury list
Eben Etzebeth (lower limb, awaiting further medical examination to determine the extent of injury)
Fez Mbatha (lower limb)
Hendre Stassen (tendon)
Makazole Mapimpi (hamstring)
Phepsi Buthelezi (shoulder)
Vusi Moyo (shoulder)
Yaw Penxe (pec)