Frans Malherbe: Springboks Hit With Major Blow As Star Player Suffers Injury Setback

• Springboks are set to be without one of their key players during the 2026 campaign, where they will battle the All Blacks
• Rassie Erasmus' side was hit with a major injury setback, which could see the player involved miss out on the 202 Rugby World Cup
• The player's club coach shared the latest update about the injury setback, as they are also affected by the rugby star's absence

Springboks have reportedly suffered a major setback as they prepare for the 2026 season after a dominant display in the 2025 campaign, where they retained the Rugby Championship and also went unbeaten during the end-of-the-year tour.

South Africa are expected to have another dominant display this year, but they would have to do that without one of their key squad members, who has encountered a major setback concerning his injury.

The 2027 Rugby World Cup is around the corner, with Rassie Erasmus hoping to make it three in a row with the present squad

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Dobson shares latest on Malherbe's condition

Stormers head coach John Dobson has shared the latest on the condition of Springboks tighthead prop Frans Malherbe, who has been out of action since April last year.

The two-time Rugby World Cup winner has been on a long rehabilitation journey after sustaining a serious back problem that placed his career in jeopardy and ruled him out of the entire 2025 international campaign.

Although concerns had been raised that the 34-year-old might not return to elite rugby, Dobson has confirmed that Malherbe continues to make steady progress as he works towards regaining full fitness.

Updates on Frans Malherbe's injury

That said, Malherbe’s comeback has encountered another obstacle. Speaking ahead of the Stormers’ United Rugby Championship fixture against the Sharks in Cape Town, Dobson revealed that the experienced prop has picked up a fresh issue during his recovery.

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Dobson explained that Malherbe has remained diligent with his rehabilitation programme, training daily and showing notable improvement in both his neck and back. However, he has recently experienced a hip problem, the cause of which is still unclear.

While Malherbe is not yet able to change direction or return to scrummaging, he is already running at full pace, a stage that typically indicates he is still a month or two away from full contact work. Dobson added that the focus remains on managing nerve-related discomfort and pain, but based on his conditioning and movement, the prop is showing encouraging signs.

With Malherbe sidelined, Zachary Porthen has seized the opportunity, breaking into both the Stormers lineup and the Springboks squad, making his Test debut against Japan last November.

Meanwhile, fellow Springbok Neethling Fouche has stepped into Malherbe’s starting role. Dobson is optimistic that Fouche will have a stronger performance against the Sharks this weekend after a challenging match against Leicester Tigers.

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Springboks star ruled out of the season

Briefly News also reported that a Springboks star has suffered a season-ending injury, which means he is set to be out for a long period in 2026.

The South African rugby star's injury comes as bad news for both his club and the Springboks as he's now expected to undergo surgery in a few days.

Source: Briefly News