DHL Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has provided a detailed update on Frans Malherbe’s prolonged absence, revealing that the Springbok prop is still facing uncertainty regarding his return.
Malherbe has been sidelined since April 2024 due to a chronic back and neck injury, making his absence nearly two years long as of early 2026.
Dobson confirmed that Malherbe has made significant progress with his neck and back. He is currently running at full speed, which typically indicates a return within a month or two; however, Malherbe, according to Dobson, has recently suffered a setback with his hip. Medical staff are still investigating whether this is related to his initial injury.
“Frans reminded me very directly this week that he is doing rehab every day, which he is. He has made a lot of progress with the neck and the back, but he has unfortunately had a setback on his hip, and they’re unsure if it is related to his other injuries.”
“So he’s not changing direction yet, and he’s running full speed ahead. I can’t talk to the length of the injury, but from where he is, it’s normally a month or two more before he will be getting back into training.
Malherbe is not yet scrumming or engaging in training that requires changing direction. Dobson emphasised that his return depends entirely on "the nerve and the pain" during high-impact activities.
Dobson remains hopeful that Malherbe will return at some point during the current 2025/26 season, if ever.
“Honestly, I would love to give you an answer and say yes. But that injury is all about the nerve and the pain, because he’s not scrumming yet. If he goes down again, and there is a referral or something like that, he’s done. So he’s not certain if he will be able to fully return. But from staying fit and keeping in general shape, he looks good.”