The head coach of the Springboks, Rassie Erasmus, has shared updates on Frans Malherbe's efforts to return to rugby following a series of injuries. Malherbe, a prominent tighthead prop and two-time World Cup winner, has been sidelined for over a year due to severe back, neck, and, most recently, hip injuries. Last seen playing in March 2025, Malherbe's prolonged absence sparked rumors of his possible retirement.
Earlier this year, Erasmus addressed these rumors, revealing that he had persuaded Malherbe to delay making any decisions about retirement. According to Erasmus, the injuries had impacted not just Malherbe’s professional life, but his personal life too, complicating everyday activities with his family.
"I had a meeting with him last year, and Franna was close to retiring. Not because he thought he wouldn’t be able to play again, but because he was struggling with his back – just to do normal things with his family, things that he loves. It was frustrating for him. Some of us gave him advice and said that if you retire, you can’t just say in three years that you are going to come back now. It’s better not to retire with the thought that you’ll come back in a few years. That was the advice from his other friends and us."
Malherbe's contract with the Stormers recently expired, raising questions about his immediate future. Despite this, Erasmus remains hopeful, suggesting that Malherbe is targeting a January comeback, though he admits this timeline is not certain.
Stormers' director of rugby, John Dobson, confirmed that Malherbe has been training with the team, albeit without engaging in the more physically demanding aspects of the sport such as heavy contact or scrummaging. Dobson also expressed willingness to keep Malherbe on the team, citing his importance to both the club and the national team.
Malherbe has been a key player for the Springboks since 2013, featuring in 76 Test matches and famously wearing the number three jersey in 63 of those games. His experience and skill set him apart, and he is only surpassed by Tendai Mtawarira and Os du Randt in terms of starts for the Boks in the prop position.
In his absence, younger players like Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw have stepped up as the primary tighthead props for the Springboks. Meanwhile, other players like Zachary Porthen and Carlu Sadie have made their test debuts, adding depth to the team's roster.
Erasmus also noted the loss of another veteran, Trevor Nyakane, to an Achilles tendon injury, highlighting the ongoing shifts within the team's dynamic. Furthermore, the team faces the challenge of replacing Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who is serving an 18-month suspension.
While the Springboks navigate these challenges, the team and fans alike hold hope for Malherbe's successful return to rugby. His potential comeback could not only boost the Stormers but also reinforce the Springboks as they continue to compete at the highest levels of international rugby.
