For the better part of the last two years, Frans Malherbe has been battling chronic back, neck, and hip injuries that have threatened to force him into retirement.
The Stormers and Springboks have not wanted to rush the 35-year-old back into action due to the nature of the injury, and his position in the front row.
Malherbe himself has not commented much on the matter, but he has now provided an encouraging update during the latest Boks Unpacked episode.
“In the bigger picture, there’s good improvement. I’ve started training with the team – team training without contact, stuff like that,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
Stormers and Springboks remaining patient in hopes of a return for Frans Malherbe
Recently, Stormers boss John Dobson said they hoped to see the World Cup winner back in action next year.
“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.
“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
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has also maintained that 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.”
Malherbe last featured for the Springboks in September, 2024, and he will be desperately hoping to add to his 76 Test caps.