Frans Malherbe remains in a state of limbo ahead of the 2026/27 season, with Stormers director of rugby John Dobson indicating a decision on the veteran prop's future is unlikely before the new year.
Malherbe, who has been sidelined with chronic neck and back issues since March last year, was not included in the 56-man squad Dobson announced on Wednesday for the URC and Champions Cup campaign. His contract expired in June, but Dobson confirmed no retirement decision has been made.
"My guess, and this may be just a John Dobson guess, is that it's going to drag into the new year," Dobson said. "He's training a lot here, but he's certainly not going to play for us in the foreseeable future, so we needed to get somebody in to replace him, and there's still a big question mark on him."
The Stormers have brought in Wilco Louw as cover in the interim. Dobson suggested a January decision could carry significant implications for Malherbe's broader ambitions, with the 2027 World Cup potentially still a motivating factor.
"What I hear is that there could be a decision made in January. That will determine whether he can make the 2027 World Cup, and then maybe there's a request that he plays a game or two, which we will accommodate."
The squad announcement also confirmed the extent of Imad Khan's injury, sustained against the All Blacks last month. The scrumhalf has suffered an ACL tear and, while included in the wider squad, faces several months on the sideline. Dobson is targeting the Munster fixture in April for his return.
"It's a really big blow for us," Dobson said. "I thought last year he did so well — last year was his breakthrough year, and this year would be the year where he really establishes himself. That kid is special."
The 56-man group includes 18 players from the squad that won the URC title in 2022.