Frans Malherbe has offered fresh hope that his distinguished rugby career is not over, with the double Rugby World Cup winner making encouraging progress in his recovery from a persistent neck and back injury that has kept him sidelined for more than 18 months.
The 35-year-old tighthead prop, who last played competitively in early 2025, has begun non-contact training with the Stormers in Cape Town as he weighs up whether a return could put him in contention for South Africa’s 2027 World Cup campaign.
“I’m actually good, Schalla,” Malherbe told former Springbok teammate Schalk Burger on Boks Unpacked X The Verdict.
“In the bigger picture, there’s good improvement. I’ve started training with the team, team training without contact, stuff like that.”
The 76-Test veteran admitted that returning to rugby-specific work had lifted his spirits after months of rehabilitation.
“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’s return would be a significant boost for the Springboks as they pursue an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup title in Australia in 2027. However, his immediate future remains uncertain, with Stormers director of rugby John Dobson suggesting a decision on his recovery could come in January.
The Stormers have strengthened their tighthead resources with the recruitment of Wilco Louw, while Zach Porthen, Neethling Fouché and Sazi Sandi also provide options.
Malherbe, meanwhile, reflected on his loyalty to the Stormers, where he has made more than 150 appearances and helped secure the United Rugby Championship title in 2022.
“I get a lot of recognition for loyalty, which is awesome,” he said, crediting the Stormers and SA Rugby for looking after him throughout his career.
Asked about the possibility of playing abroad before retirement, Malherbe remained open to the idea.
“Ja, let’s hope so.”
For now, the priority is getting back to full fitness. January could prove decisive in determining whether one of South Africa’s finest scrummagers has another World Cup campaign in him.
