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Rassie Erasmus has revealed that veteran prop Frans Malherbe came close to walking away last year as he battled a frustrating run of injuries.
The Bok coach admitted that the double World Cup winner was seriously considering retirement after struggling with persistent back problems.
“I had a meeting with him last year and Franna was close to retiring,” Erasmus told Netwerk24.
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“Not because he thought he wouldn’t be able to play again, but because he was struggling with his back just to do normal things with his family, things he enjoys.
“It was frustrating for him.”
Erasmus said the Springbok management and Malherbe’s close circle urged him not to rush into a decision he might later regret.
“Some of us advised him and said if you retire you can’t just say three years later that you want to come back,” he explained.
The Bok boss pointed out that legendary prop Os du Randt famously returned from retirement earlier in his career, but it’s not a path he recommends.
“It’s better not to retire with the idea that you might come back in a few years. That was the advice from us and his other friends.”
Malherbe, who has started 63 of his 76 Tests since making his debut against Wales in 2013, has not played international rugby since the Springboks’ clash against Argentina in Mbombela in September 2024.
But Erasmus insists the powerhouse tighthead remains firmly in the national picture.
“We forget how good Frans was for us just two years ago,” he said.
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
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