VIDEO: Dobson clears up Japan sabbaticals for Stormers
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers coach John Dobson has been forced to address yet another transfer rumour about one of his senior Springboks.
Bok prop Frans Malherbe is the latest Stormers star who has been linked to a move to Japan.
According to the Afrikaans weekly newspaper Rapport, the 30-year-old Malherbe received an offer from a Japanese club and could depart after the Springboks versus British and Irish Lions series – scheduled for July and August.
The latest transfer talk comes just a week after Dobson faced questions surrounding flank Pieter-Steph Du Toit.
The Springboks flank has been making headlines since 2019, with reports of a transfer to Verblitz being the latest.
*READ: ‘Pieter, do what’s best for you’
In terms of Malherbe, it has been reported that the prop could stay in Japan for up to two years before returning to South Africa for the 2023 World Cup.
“There is a possibility he [Malherbe] might get a sabbatical at some stage in the next couple of years,” Dobson admitted during a virtual media briefing, when asked about the rumours around Malherbe’s future.
“We’ve got to work that out, but Frans said to me directly he wants to stay and play here [in Cape Town].
“There is the opportunity for him to have a slightly lighter season and earn a bit more Yen and then return. However, whether that’s this year, next year or after year after or 2024, who knows”
He added: “There’s obviously a lot of talk about him going to Japan for two years, but certainly not something we know. The first time I read about it in the papers.
“But Frans has chatted to us and is keen to stay here,”
The coach also revealed that lock John Schickeling will be at the Stomers until October 30, before taking a sabbatical in Japan.
The Stormers host the Lions at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Dawie Snyman will take up the role of this weekend’s head coach for the final match of the Preparations Series.
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