Bok Prop Frans Malherbe Could Make Comeback in April After Nine-Month Injury Layoff, Confirms John Dobson

After a challenging and frustrating journey, Stormers and Springbok prop Frans Malherbe is on the brink of a potential comeback following a near career-ending back injury. 

John Dobson, the Stormers’ Director of Rugby, has provided an update on the player’s status.

“A decision will be made on the 15th of April, which would clear him. He needs medical clearance especially with a neck or back injury. He has been doing rehab for nine months now and then they will make a call if he can play rugby again.”

Dobson added that Malherbe is eager to return to the Springbok fold.

“I spoke to him, he still wants to wear the green and gold. I hope it’s good news on the 15th of April. We haven’t spoken to the Springbok management, but I read somewhere they have spoken to him. Our communication with Frans has been great, he is a one-club man and we owe Frans so much, so we won’t say your time here is over. We want him to stay here as long as possible," Dobson told SportsBoom.co.za in an exclusive interaction. 

Injury Update: Salman Moerat

Stormers captain Salman Moerat has been sidelined with a foot injury but is expected back in time for the playoffs.

“Salman will be back for playoffs,” Dobson confirmed.

AFL Influence on Stormers Tactics

In an innovative move, the Stormers have brought in former AFL player Steven Morris to improve their aerial skills. 

Dobson highlighted that this tactical shift has already influenced team selection, including the decision to play Damian Willemse on the wing.

“The impact of Steven Morris was a big factor having Damian Willemse play wing. In AFL, they have over 400 kicks, of which 150–180 are contestable. We want to be tactical around contestable kicks, and that’s where Damian fits in. He is very good in the air.”

Dobson cited examples from the Six Nations, where teams like France exploit transitional kicks, emphasizing the Stormers’ focus on aerial strategy.

Champions Cup Quarterfinals

Amid criticism that South African franchises have fielded weakened sides in away fixtures, Dobson promised to bring a strong, tactically-suited team for the upcoming Quarterfinal clash against RC Toulon at the Stade Mayol.

“We will be looking at the strongest team, but ‘strongest’ tactically means the best guys for that specific game and the conditions. For example, Dewaldt Duvenhage and Stefan Ungerer for dewy and wet conditions, but Toulon on a spring day Imad Khan will come in. It will be our strongest team with one or two changes.”

Senior Debut Halted for Markus Muller

Schoolboy sensation Markus Muller has been making waves, joining the Springboks alignment camp straight out of school and training with the Stormers senior squad. Yet Dobson tempered expectations for an immediate senior debut.

“For him to play and make his debut, he needs to be comfortable and used to the way we play and train. Ruhan Nel is back, and we still have Wandile Simelane… I would like to say yes, but it would probably take an injury or two. He has the U23 competition now, then onto the Currie Cup. I’m just being honest, I don’t see it happening earlier," he concluded.