The French rugby powerhouse La Rochelle has its eyes set on a jewel from the southern hemisphere, aiming to snag double World Cup-winning Springbok, Frans Malherbe, for the upcoming season. With the departure of Uini Atonio to retirement and Joel Sclavi's exit to England, La Rochelle's scrum is in desperate need of a rock-solid tighthead, and Malherbe fits the bill.
At 35, Malherbe has been off the radar since March 2025, battling back issues that had him flirting with retirement. However, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus played a crucial role in rewriting Malherbe's final chapters, urging him to stall his retirement plans. Erasmus's plea seems to have worked, as Malherbe has not only resumed training with the Stormers but also attended the Springboks’ first alignment camp this month.
"I urged him to delay his decision. We believe he still has a lot to contribute on the international stage," Erasmus commented.
Should Malherbe decide to join La Rochelle, it would be his first stint in French club rugby, marking a significant shift in his illustrious career. The proposition is reminiscent of 2016 when he declined an offer from Toulon, choosing instead to focus on his Springbok career in South Africa. Now, nearly ten years later, the allure of playing in one of Europe's top leagues could present a refreshing challenge for the veteran prop.
This potential move could not only revive Malherbe's club career but also provide La Rochelle with the experienced anchor it desperately needs in the scrum. As the French club looks to bolster its lineup, the addition of a seasoned international like Malherbe could be exactly what the doctor ordered to compete at the highest levels of European rugby.
With his future hanging in the balance, the rugby world will be keenly watching to see if this Springbok star will make his way across the seas to etch his name into European club rugby lore.
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The French rugby powerhouse La Rochelle has its eyes set on a jewel from the southern hemisphere, aiming to snag double World Cup-winning Springbok, Frans Malherbe, for the upcoming season. With the departure of Uini Atonio to retirement and Joel Sclavi's exit to England, La Rochelle's scrum is in desperate need of a rock-solid tighthead, and Malherbe fits the bill.
At 35, Malherbe has been off the radar since March 2025, battling back issues that had him flirting with retirement. However, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus played a crucial role in rewriting Malherbe's final chapters, urging him to stall his retirement plans. Erasmus's plea seems to have worked, as Malherbe has not only resumed training with the Stormers but also attended the Springboks’ first alignment camp this month.
"I urged him to delay his decision. We believe he still has a lot to contribute on the international stage," Erasmus commented.
Should Malherbe decide to join La Rochelle, it would be his first stint in French club rugby, marking a significant shift in his illustrious career. The proposition is reminiscent of 2016 when he declined an offer from Toulon, choosing instead to focus on his Springbok career in South Africa. Now, nearly ten years later, the allure of playing in one of Europe's top leagues could present a refreshing challenge for the veteran prop.
This potential move could not only revive Malherbe's club career but also provide La Rochelle with the experienced anchor it desperately needs in the scrum. As the French club looks to bolster its lineup, the addition of a seasoned international like Malherbe could be exactly what the doctor ordered to compete at the highest levels of European rugby.
With his future hanging in the balance, the rugby world will be keenly watching to see if this Springbok star will make his way across the seas to etch his name into European club rugby lore.