Bottom line: Frans Malherbe stands as one of South Africa’s most accomplished tighthead props, playing a crucial role in two Rugby World Cup victories and establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Springboks’ formidable scrum.
Frans Malherbe has carved out a remarkable career as one of rugby union’s most dependable and technically gifted tighthead props. Born on 14 March 1991, the South African powerhouse has become synonymous with scrum dominance and consistency at the highest levels of international rugby.
Early Life and Education
Frans Malherbe was born in Bredasdorp on 14 March 1991 and educated at Paarl Boys’ High School in South Africa where he captained the first team. His rugby journey began in earnest at this prestigious institution, where he also captained the First Rugby team to victory in Interschools in his Matric year. Paarl Boys’ High School has a rich rugby heritage, having produced several Springboks throughout its history.
At 34 years old, Malherbe stands at 1.9 m tall (6 ft 3 in) and weighs in at 141 kg (22 st 2.85 lb; 310.85 lb), making him an imposing figure in the front row. His physical presence has been a defining characteristic throughout his career, though his technical prowess sets him apart from other big props.
Professional Career Beginnings
Malherbe made both his senior Western Province and Stormers debuts in 2011, however it was the following year when he fully cemented his place in both sides. His breakthrough came quickly, as he played in every Stormers match during the 2012 Super Rugby season.
A pivotal moment in his early career came when he started in the Currie Cup final, aged 21, as Western Province beat the Sharks 25-18 in Durban to take the trophy for the first time in 11 years. This victory established him as a player capable of performing on the biggest stages.
International Debut and Early Challenges
Malherbe had been involved in several South Africa squads since the appointment of Heyneke Meyer as head coach in 2012 without making any appearances. His patience was rewarded when an injury to Jannie du Plessis meant he finally made his test debut on 9 November 2013 against Wales in Cardiff.
However, his early international career was marked by injury setbacks. In 2014 he broke his leg but returned to play six games at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He added three Internationals against Ireland in 2016 before a neck injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. These injuries continued to plague him, as the front-rower also missed the 2017 Rugby Championship with a neck injury.
Rise to Prominence
The turning point in Malherbe’s international career came in 2018. Malherbe was a regular for South Africa from June 2018 right through to the 2019 World Cup win, playing 21 Internationals with 19 starts. His consistency and reliability made him indispensable to the Springbok setup.
A memorable personal milestone came during the 2019 World Cup when he scored his first Test try in that game against Canada, in his 35th Test match. South Africa won the game 66-7. In Japan he played six times, coming off the bench once – against Canada in the pool game in Kobe.
Current Team and Role
Malherbe currently plays for the DHL Stormers in the United Rugby Championship, where he continues to be a key figure in their forward pack. He plays as a tighthead prop for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship and South Africa national team.
His influence extends beyond just playing, as he brings experience and leadership to younger players. Malherbe played his 100th Super Rugby game for the Stormers, against the Bulls, in February 2020 in Cape Town, highlighting his longevity with the franchise.
Technical Excellence and Playing Style
What sets Malherbe apart from other props is his technical mastery of scrummaging. Malherbe is very good at getting his weight down on the loosehead’s neck on engagement and he’s importantly a very good technical scrummager and an intelligent one. He doesn’t force things. He’s happy to wait and control his side until opportunities present themselves.
His approach to the game reflects maturity and rugby intelligence. He doesn’t rely just on speed or sheer size. In fact he really isn’t an overly aggressive tighthead. He uses his size and technique to control the scrum and allows his loosehead on the other side to be aggressive.
World Cup Success
Malherbe’s career reached its pinnacle with South Africa’s World Cup victories. 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.
He was also part of the squad that defended their title successfully, as Malherbe has been named in the 2023 Rugby world cup squad with 61 international caps under his belt. His experience and reliability made him an essential component of South Africa’s World Cup-winning teams.
Legacy and Impact
Frans Malherbe’s career exemplifies the value of persistence, technical excellence, and physical presence in rugby union. Frans Malherbe demonstrated that professional players don’t have to fit a specific mould to master their craft, which is why he was in the Springbok set-up that won the series against the British and Irish Lions in 2021.
From his early days captaining at Paarl Boys’ High School to becoming a two-time World Cup winner, Malherbe has established himself as one of South Africa’s finest tighthead props. His technical prowess, combined with his imposing physical presence, continues to make him a vital cog in both the Stormers and Springboks machinery. As he enters the latter stages of his career, his influence on South African rugby and the development of future props cannot be understated.
