Springbok legend hopes to stave off retirement fears
· The South African
Springbok stalwart Frans Malherbe last played a high-profile rugby game in March 2025 for the Stormers in a United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against the Scarlets. He has since been sidelined while recovering from chronic back, neck, and hip injuries.
As time on the sidelines has gone on and on, retirement fears have understandably grown, especially considering the nature of the injuries, his position in the front row and his age (35).
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The Stormers have not rushed the powerful prop back into action as his health and safety come first, and it still remains to be seen if it will be financially viable for the Cape franchise to extend his contract into next season.
In the latest report on the matter, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said there was enduring hope that he would avoid a dreaded injury-enforced retirement.
“What I know is it was a back injury and as far as I understand, when I talk to him, he’s trying his best to return,” the Bok head coach said.
“For me it sounds like January is a good date for him to try and come back. I might get proven wrong, or a doctor might phone me later and say you’re totally wrong.
“But as far as I understand, Frans is going to try and play in January, and I hope that works out.”
When could we see the Springbok legend make his comeback?
Understandably, the Stormers are keeping in regular contact with the Springbok coaches, who are believed to still be interested in having Malherbe available for the 2027 World Cup.
“Frans’ rehab is not complete yet,” Stormers boss John Dobson said earlier this year as he considered the team’s tighthead prop stocks/
“Then at tighthead it is just crazy with Frans Malherbe injured, Wilco Louw is obviously coming, and Sazi Sandi is not playing; then we still rate Herman Lubbe very highly, and there is still Hencus van Wyk,” Dobson added.
Boks also well stocked
In the absence of Malherbe, Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw have begun to establish themselves as more than capable options at tighthead.
Young Zachary Porthen is a highly rated youngster who also continues to make impressive strides at Test level.