CAPE TOWN - In some good news for Western Province Rugby, Springbok prop Frans Malherbe has signed a contract extension.
After some uncertainty around his future involving talks of him being linked to a move to Japan, the 30-year-old erased any doubts by putting pen to paper with Western Province Professional Rugby, opting to remain in the Cape for the near future.
Malherbe, having made his Stormers debut 10 years ago, is the third-most capped player for the Stormers with 109 appearances to his name, just 15 behind the most-capped Schalk Burger.
ALSO READ: Despite Covid-19 hiatus, Springboks are in good shape
The powerful scrummager was schooled at Paarl Boys High and represented Western Province through age-group level before making his Stormers debut at the age of 20 in 2011.
Stormers head coach John Dobson said Malherbe’s presence in the group will greatly influence the development of their promising younger props.
"Frans has been central to the scrum culture that has been developed here over the last decade and will provide immense value to the development of the talented young props we have here.
"His contribution to the Stormers and the Springboks over the years has perhaps not been fully appreciated, but we understand just how fortunate we are to be able to draw on his skill and experience," he said.
WPPR Chairman Ebrahim Rasool shared Dobson’s sentiments.
"Frans’ signing for us is huge! He not only anchors the scrum, but he is the quiet glue that holds the team together. He is another product of our system who has remained loyal to the region and he has a major role to play for the Stormers.
"The value of his presence in the team environment, both in terms of what he brings on the field and the influence he will have on the next generation of stars, cannot be underestimated," he said.
IOL Sport