Springbok prop Frans Malherbe has started training with the Stormers again and could return to action early next year, IOL reported.
The 35-year-old tighthead has been out for more than 18 months with a neck and back injury. He last played a competitive match in early 2025.
Spinal and nerve problems had threatened to end the career of the two-time World Cup winner.
“In the bigger picture, there’s good improvement. I’ve started training with the team, team training without contact, stuff like that,” Malherbe told former Springbok teammate Schalk Burger.
He gave the update on the Boks Unpacked X The Verdict show. Malherbe has played 76 Tests for South Africa.
“It’s obviously very nice to do rugby training, rugby-related stuff, rather than running back and forth to cones, which is not my favourite part,” he said.
“But it’s actually been going well and I think there’s some good improvement. Hopefully, soon I’ll be getting stuck into a scrum,” Malherbe added.
Malherbe is currently out of contract. He has been working with the Stormers, his former team, in Cape Town.
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said the prop has not yet decided where he will play once he is cleared.
“I don’t think he has made a decision. My guess, and this may be just a John Dobson guess, is that it’s going to drag into the new year,” Dobson told reporters earlier this season.
Dobson said the club had to sign a replacement because Malherbe would not play for them soon.
The Stormers signed Wilco Louw in the off-season to add to their tighthead options. Zach Porthen, Neethling Fouché and Sazi Sandi are also competing for game time in that position.
The Springboks also have Louw, Thomas du Toit and Porthen at No 3. A fully fit Malherbe is still seen as a big part of the plan for the 2027 World Cup.
South Africa will be chasing a third World Cup title in a row at that tournament.
Malherbe went to Paarl Boys’ High. He made his debuts for Western Province and the Stormers in 2011.
He has played more than 150 games for the Stormers, making him the club’s second-most capped player. He was part of the side that won the 2021/22 URC title.
Malherbe said he was grateful that SA Rugby and the Stormers looked after him each time his contract came up.
“You don’t understand what a big privilege it is to play for the club and the province you support. Not a lot of people have that option,” he said.
He also said he would have loved to play somewhere else at some stage. When former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers asked about a stint overseas, Malherbe smiled and said, “Ja, let’s hope so.”
Dobson said January could be decisive. “What I hear is that there could be a decision made in January. That will determine whether he can make the 2027 World Cup,” he said.
He added that the Stormers would agree if Malherbe was asked to play a game or two to prepare.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.