Stormers' Dobson Gives Update on Frans Malherbe After Squad Omission for 2026/27 URC Season

• Frans Malherbe’s Stormers future remains uncertain, with the Springbok prop facing an important period that could shape what happens next
• John Dobson has provided fresh insight into Frans Malherbe’s situation, with a key decision now expected to come into focus
• The Stormers have made changes to their squad while Malherbe continues his recovery, but there is still more to come regarding his future

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson has provided an update on Frans Malherbe after the veteran Springbok prop was left out of the team’s 2026/27 United Rugby Championship squad.

The Stormers announced their 56-man squad for the URC and Champions Cup on Thursday, 17 September 2026, but Malherbe was not included after missing the entire 2025/26 campaign.

The tighthead prop has also not played competitive rugby since March 2025 while dealing with chronic neck and back problems.

Dobson said Malherbe has not yet decided whether his playing career will continue.

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“I don’t think he has made a decision,” Dobson told reporters according to Rugby365.

“My guess, and this may be just a John Dobson guess, is that it’s going to drag into the new year.”

Frans Malherbe could make January decision

Malherbe has been training with the Stormers, but Dobson confirmed that he is not expected to feature for the Cape Town side in the immediate future.

“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,” Dobson said.

The Stormers have brought in Wilco Louw as a replacement at tighthead prop while Malherbe’s situation remains unresolved. Dobson indicated that January could become an important point in determining what happens next.

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

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“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.”

Springbok World Cup hopes remain in focus

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has also discussed Malherbe's potential return, previously indicating that January could be the target for a comeback.

For now, however, there is no confirmed return date and no decision on retirement.

The Stormers’ position leaves the door open for Malherbe should he become available, while the next few months could prove important for his international ambitions ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Dobson’s comments make clear that, as of 17 September, Malherbe’s playing future remains undecided.

Frans Malherbe’s comeback hopes previously received a boost

Briefly News previously reported that Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus had provided an update on Frans Malherbe’s recovery, with January 2027 identified as a possible return point.

Erasmus said Malherbe was still working towards a comeback despite previous retirement concerns. He also confirmed that the veteran prop had been close to ending his career before deciding to continue his rehabilitation.

Source: Briefly News