Frans Malherbe, the battle-scarred warrior of the Stormers, isn't hanging up his boots just yet. Coach John Dobson has thrown open the doors for the veteran prop’s return, pending medical clearance later this month. With Malherbe’s contract due to expire in June, an extension seems not only possible but probable, provided he wants to continue throwing his weight around in the scrum for the Cape Town-based squad.
“If he keeps playing and wants to stay at the Stormers, we will obviously accommodate him in the interests of himself and the national team,” declared Dobson. Malherbe, at 35, has faced a tough road to recovery following a severe back injury that sidelined him since April 2025. His journey back to the field has been further complicated by hip issues earlier this year, yet his commitment to the game remains unwavering.
“He’s a legend, an icon of the game and a one-club man,”
Should he return, Malherbe will join forces with Neethling Fouché, Wilco Louw, and Zachary Porthen to form a formidable tighthead contingent for the Stormers next season. Despite the long hiatus, his presence at the first Springbok alignment camp of 2026 hints at a potential national team comeback. Bok coach Rassie Erasmus, who last year convinced him to delay retirement, still sees a role for him in the green and gold.
“Frans nearly walked away,”
Malherbe, a pivotal figure in securing two World Cup titles for South Africa, has been absent from Test rugby since September 2024, missing 17 consecutive matches due to his injuries. Yet, his resilience and potential for a strong return could provide a significant boost both for his club and country.
As the rugby world watches and waits, the story of Frans Malherbe continues to unfold—a tale of tenacity, team spirit, and the undying love for the game.
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Frans Malherbe, the battle-scarred warrior of the Stormers, isn't hanging up his boots just yet. Coach John Dobson has thrown open the doors for the veteran prop’s return, pending medical clearance later this month. With Malherbe’s contract due to expire in June, an extension seems not only possible but probable, provided he wants to continue throwing his weight around in the scrum for the Cape Town-based squad.
“If he keeps playing and wants to stay at the Stormers, we will obviously accommodate him in the interests of himself and the national team,” declared Dobson. Malherbe, at 35, has faced a tough road to recovery following a severe back injury that sidelined him since April 2025. His journey back to the field has been further complicated by hip issues earlier this year, yet his commitment to the game remains unwavering.
“He’s a legend, an icon of the game and a one-club man,”
Should he return, Malherbe will join forces with Neethling Fouché, Wilco Louw, and Zachary Porthen to form a formidable tighthead contingent for the Stormers next season. Despite the long hiatus, his presence at the first Springbok alignment camp of 2026 hints at a potential national team comeback. Bok coach Rassie Erasmus, who last year convinced him to delay retirement, still sees a role for him in the green and gold.
“Frans nearly walked away,”
Malherbe, a pivotal figure in securing two World Cup titles for South Africa, has been absent from Test rugby since September 2024, missing 17 consecutive matches due to his injuries. Yet, his resilience and potential for a strong return could provide a significant boost both for his club and country.
As the rugby world watches and waits, the story of Frans Malherbe continues to unfold—a tale of tenacity, team spirit, and the undying love for the game.
Teams: Stormers