Frans Malherbe is a South African rugby union player who has established himself as one of the country's top scrummagers. He began his rugby journey at the Western Province Rugby Institute in Stellenbosch and made his Super Rugby debut for the Stormers in 2011 at the age of 20.
In 2012, Malherbe played a pivotal role in Western Province's Currie Cup victory. The following year, he earned his first test cap for the Springboks in a match against Wales in Cardiff. Known for his technical prowess and dominance in the scrum, Malherbe quickly gained a reputation as one of South Africa's best in his position.
His impressive performances earned him a place in the Springbok Rugby Championship Squad and the wider Rugby World Cup squad in 2015. Throughout his Super Rugby career, Malherbe has amassed 10 points in 66 appearances since his debut.
In 2017, Malherbe was included in the Springbok squad for the June Internationals against France, showcasing his consistency and value to the national team. However, his season was cut short by an injury. Despite the setback, he made a solid return to action with the Stormers in Super Rugby 2018 and regained his place in the Springbok squad for the 2018 June Internationals.
As a regular member of the Springbok pack, Malherbe played a vital role in South Africa's success. He contributed to the team's triumphs in the Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup in 2019. In the Rugby World Cup Final, he showcased his scrummaging mastery in what was his 38th test cap.
Malherbe attended Paarl Boys' High School, where he captained the First Rugby team to victory in the Interschools competition during his matric year. His talent and leadership qualities have made him an asset to both his school and club teams.
In June 2021, Malherbe was named in South Africa's 46-man squad for the British and Irish Lions Tour, signifying his continued importance to the national team.
Malherbe has been named in the 2023 Rugby world cup squad with 61 international caps under his belt.
KT August 2023
Career
Stormers Tighthead Prop |
2011 - present | |
Western Province Tighthead Prop |
2014 - present | |
South Africa A Tighthead Prop |
2021 - 2021 | |
Paarl Boys High Tighthead Prop |
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South Africa Tighthead Prop |
2012 - 2024 |