French giants La Rochelle are reportedly targeting a double World Cup-winning Springbok for next season.
RugbyRama reports the club has Stormers tighthead Frans Malherbe in its sights to compensate for the retirement of Uini Atonio and the move of Joel Sclavi to England.
Malherbe, 35, has long been a cornerstone of the Springbok pack, but has not played since March 2025 and had been considering retirement due to ongoing back issues.
That plan was put on hold after Bok coach Rassie Erasmus urged him to delay his decision, with hopes of a return to the international fold.
RASSIE: Frans nearly walked away
The experienced tighthead has since returned to training with the Stormers and was part of the Springboks’ first alignment camp earlier this month.
A move to La Rochelle would mark a major shift for Malherbe, who has never played club rugby in France.
He previously turned down a move to Toulon in 2016, opting instead to remain in South Africa to pursue his Springbok ambitions.
But nearly a decade later, another opportunity to join one of France’s top clubs could offer Malherbe one last shot at a new challenge.
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