Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi is one of several players who have committed their long-term futures to WP Rugby.

Mbonambi made his Test debut last year after an impressive Super Rugby campaign with the Stormers, and has now signed a new three-year contract with the union.

He is joined by backs Jean-Luc du Plessis, Dan du Plessis, EW Viljoen, Grant Hermanus, Justin Phillips and Brandon Thomson, while forwards Chad Solomon, JD Schickerling and Kobus van Dyk have also all signed long-term contracts.

WP Rugby CEO Paul Zacks said that it is encouraging to see such talented players show confidence in the long-term vision of Western Province Rugby, joining the likes of senior players Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Frans Malherbe, who are all contracted until 2019.

‘It is vital to retain talented players such as these who have signed new contracts, if we are to move forward and evolve. Of course there are many others who are on existing contracts that will also play a big role in what we have planned for the future.’

Western Province Currie Cup captain Chris van Zyl, Western Province U21 skipper Luke Stringer, utility forward Jurie van Vuuren, centre Ryan Oosthuizen and flyhalf Ernst Stapelberg have also all signed contract extensions with WP Rugby.

Photo: Thinus Maritz/Gallo Images