Dobson reveals latest on Malherbe after Stormers squad omission
NEWS: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has shed light on the uncertainty surrounding prop Frans Malherbe ahead of the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship season.
Dobson, on Thursday, revealed his 56-man squad for the URC and Champions Cup, featuring 18 players from the URC title-winning campaign in 2022.
Malherbe isn’t included in the squad after missing the Stormers’ 2025/26 season and having last played competitive rugby in March last year.
The Springbok prop has been recovering from chronic neck and back issues.
As a result, the Stormers have recruited Wilco Louw, a like-for-like replacement to fill the gap while Malherbe decides on his future.
While there’s been speculation about Malherbe’s future since his contract ran out in June, Dobson said no decision to retire had been made yet.
“I don’t think he has made a decision,” he told reporters.
“My guess, and this may be just a John Dobson guess, is that it’s going to drag into the new 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.”
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When Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was asked about Malherbe this year, he said he expects him to be back in January.
Dobson echoed the same sentiments.
“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.
“There’s no firm decision yet, but he’s certainly not playing for us in the foreseeable future.”
Dobson also provided an update on injured scrumhalf, Imad Khan.
Khan has been included in the wider squad but is out injured after hurting his knee against the All Blacks last month.
He suffered an ACL injury, and Dobson revealed his potential timeline.
“I hope he’s back for the Munster game in April.
“It’s a really big blow for us. I thought last year he did so well. I suppose last year was his breakthrough year, and this year would be the year where he really establishes himself.
“It’s a horrible injury, an ACL. It makes you so immobile, and it’s hard to stay part of the group; it can be tricky when you’re on crutches.
“He’s back in April; we’ve got to put an arm around him. That kid is special, and we saw that during last season.”
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