Bok prop Malherbe staying put for now – Dobson

Star Springbok prop Frans Malherbe is not heading off to Japan just yet and is set to remain with the Stormers for the foreseeable future.

This assurance came from Stormers head coach John Dobson on Tuesday who was reacting to talks that Malherbe had been linked with a move to Japan.

“Frans is keen to see out his career with us and we are desperate to keep him here,” said Dobson.

“There might be a possibility he could go to Japan on a sabbatical at some stage in the next couple of years,” he said.

Dobson said, however, the Cape-based union would work out something suitable (in terms of a contract)  for Malherbe, who has indicated he wants to stay and play in Cape Town.

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“If he goes to Japan in the next few years for a short while and rests his neck and then returns to us it will only extend his career,” said Dobson.

Another player linked with a move to Japan is lock and Bok contender JD Schickerling.

“JD is contracted until the end of October and he probably wants to give himself the best possible chance to play against the British and Irish Lions and that’s why he will stay with us for at least the next few months,” said Dobson. “JD won’t easily become a Bok playing out of Japan.”

Ahead of their final Preparation Series match against the Lions at the Cape Town Stadium this weekend, Dobson said it was a last chance for them to fine-tune their game ahead of the start of the Rainbow Cup.

“We need to get the guys conditioned and ready,” said Dobson. “We are in for at least a three or four week waiting period after this weekend (before the Rainbow Cup starts) so we need to get as much rugby in as we can.

“We might not play again until the opening SA derby on April 24 and need to be ready for that.”

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