Frans Malherbe

Frans Malherbe, born on 14 March 1991, is a cornerstone South African tighthead prop and one of the most decorated front-row forwards of the modern era. A long-serving Stormers and Western Province stalwart, he has become a defining figure in the Springboks' world-renowned scrum. Malherbe has been part of South Africa's Rugby World Cup-winning squads, helping to anchor a pack that has dominated the global game on the biggest stages. His game is defined by immense scrummaging power, technical precision and a willingness to do the relentless tight work that often goes unnoticed. At franchise level, he was central to the Stormers' 2022 United Rugby Championship triumph, providing the platform from which their forward play flourished. Quiet and unassuming off the field, Malherbe lets his work in the scrum speak for itself, and remains the benchmark tighthead in South African rugby. His combination of consistency, durability and set-piece dominance marks him as a true great of the position.