Playing future for Frans Malherbe still uncertain

It has been 18 months since Springbok World Cup winner Frans Malherbe last featured in a high-level rugby match. The burly prop has been battling chronic back, neck, and hip injuries that have threatened to force him into retirement.

The Stormers and Springbok have not rushed the 35-year-old back into action as his health and safety come first, and the Cape club had no option but to omit him from the latest squad named for the new season.

“He’s training a lot here, but he’s certainly not going to play for us in the foreseeable future, so we needed to get somebody in to replace him, and there’s still a big question mark on him,” John Dobson commented, as quoted by Rugby365.

“I don’t think he has made a decision (on his playing future),” Dobson also told reporters. “My guess, and this may be just a John Dobson guess, is that it’s going to drag into the new year.

“What I hear is that there could be a decision made in January,” he added.

“That will determine whether he can make the 2027 World Cup, and then maybe there’s a request that he plays a game or two, which we will accommodate.”

Rassie Erasmus has echoed similar sentiments on Frans Malherbe

Last month, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said there was enduring hope that Malherbe 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.”

The Stormers 26/27 squad (caps in brackets)

*denotes under-21 players

Props
Neethling Fouché (114), Oli Kebble (57), Sazi Sandi (52), Wilco Louw (52), Vernon Matongo (22), Ntuthuko Mchunu (19), Zachary Porthen (15), Hencus van Wyk (2), Herman Lubbe* (1), Olly Reid* (1)

Hookers
André-Hugo Venter (89), JJ Kotzé (58), Lukhanyo Vokozela (4), Vernon Paulo (0), Luca Bakkes (0)

Locks
JD Schickerling (74), Adré Smith (69), Connor Evans (40), Gary Porter (19), Riley Norton* (0)