Springboks confirm injury to prop Frans Malherbe

The Springboks arrived in Jersey on Monday for a week-long training camp before departing for Scotland for their opening Test of the November internationals.

However, upon arrival, it was officially confirmed that experienced prop Frans Malherbe was forced to remain behind in South Africa due to an ankle injury suffered in the Stormers’ United Rugby Championship match against the Glasgow Warriors.

It’s left only two specialist tighthead props in the squad, namely Vincent Koch, and Wilco Louw – who was also only recently called up after another injury to Jan-Hendrik Wessels.

Thomas du Toit can also cover tighthead, though, and a decision has yet to be made on whether Malherbe will be replaced in the touring squad.