Stormers coy about Malherbe future
INJURY UPDATE: There is still a dark cloud surrounding Frans Malherbe’s Stormers future as the Cape side delivered a mixed bag of injury news ahead of their United Rugby Championship semifinal against Leinster.
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Reports surfaced this past week that Malherbe’s Stormers contract expires at the end of the season.
The Bok prop reportedly rejected an offer from Top 14 side Toulon in February to remain in Cape Town and is still firmly part of Rassie Erasmus’ plans for the national side despite not having played since mid 2025, having been involved in the Boks’ first alignment camp this season.
The Stormers currently boast a healthy tighthead roster in Neethling Fouche, Zachary Porthen, and Sazi Sandi, with Wilco Louw joining the Capetonians from the Bulls in July.
Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani confirmed that Malherbe is training with the crop of injured players, but didn’t have any further information regarding his future with the franchise.
“I’m not in a position to answer that question as I don’t know the full details,” Hlungwani told Rugby365.
“But if anything, he was training with the injured players two weeks ago, but I don’t have any other information, unfortunately.”
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Hlungwani couldn’t confirm the extent of flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s injury either, but confirmed that he will be sidelined for some time.
“As far as I know, his ankle injury is pretty serious, so he’ll be out for a while.”
On the positive front, the Stormers enjoy a double boost following injury scares to two of their most experienced players ahead of the semifinal in Dublin.
“Ruben [van Heerden] is travelling [to Dublin] as is Dan [du Plessis].
“Seabelo [Senatla] is unfortunately not looking good following his concussion.
“In terms of that, at the moment we’re looking okay.
“Seabelo is a big loss, but we’ll still go on fine without him.
“Injuries are part of the game. It’s always tough losing players, but it’s also an opportunity for other players to step up.
“Sometimes we plan for those scenarios, and it’s something we feel we can handle.”
