Latest news with #FransMalherbe
The Citizen
30-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Fouche feels ‘dieplekker' about his Bok future
Having shrugged off his reputation as Frans Malherbe's 'stunt double', tighthead prop Neethling Fouche is excited to carve out his own story with the Springboks. Fouche made his Bok debut off the bench in the world champions' 54-7 demolition of the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium last week, and it was everything the 32-year-old dreamt of. 'I know it's a cliche, but you dream of it literally from when you start playing bulletjie [junior] rugby,' he said. 'Yes, it was a Barbarians game, but it felt like a Test match. I know the score was high, but it was still very physical out there. 'Where the Springboks are at the moment, to be able to be part of this story with Coach Rassie [Erasmus] and the team, it's unbelievable.' 'There's a saying in Afrikaans: dieplekker. It's not lekker, it's dieplekker,' Fouche added. 'The whole week was actually just a blur, from the moment I found out I was playing, to the moment you're standing there. 'After that, it's difficult to control your emotions as you're singing the national anthem; literally all of my family was here for the game. As soon as they heard I'm playing, they just booked their tickets all the way from Rustenburg.' MORE: Rassie told Manie to kick miss And the occasion wasn't without its lighter moments for the humorous Fouche: 'Firstly, I just didn't want to fall running out on the field like my prop mate, Asa [Asenathi Ntlabakanye]! I don't know if anyone saw that, maybe go and check the highlights. So that was the first focus – not to fall.' A pivotal roleplayer in the Stormers' Vodacom URC title win in 2021-22, Fouche is a senior figure in their forward pack and a leader. His consistency for the Cape side earned him his first Bok alignment camp call-up last year, followed by a second invitation in March. However, Fouche's journey to the green and gold hasn't been easy, after injury setbacks and several seasons playing understudy to two-time world cup winner Malherbe at the Stormers. 'I've had a bit of a grondpad [rough road] to get here,' the Grey College alum said. 'The first five, six years out of school, it was a tough time. I was more injured than I wasn't. 'I think the first few years, I was only Frans Malherbe's stunt double! That's how most people knew me, and didn't know my name. 'But with time, you start to carve out your own story. Wilco [Louw] left for overseas and there was a gap, and I decided to put my hand up. Then there's a little voice in your head saying, 'it can happen to you too, just keep working at'. ALSO: Esterhuizen embraces 'hybrid' role 'So, it makes the lekker feeling I'm experiencing right now just mean so much more.' The Boks next face Italy on Saturday at Loftus, followed by a second Test against the Azzurri in Gqeberha next week, and a clash with Georgia in Mbombela on July 19. Fouche faces competition from fellow tightheads Louw, Ntlabakanye and Vincent Koch, but he's embracing the challenge under the tutelage of Bok scrum guru Daan Human. With Malherbe struggling with a back injury, Erasmus must explore alternatives, and Fouche is now in that conversation as the Bok chief plans for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. 'The last two-and-a-half weeks were tough, but it's also good to get through it, it gives you confidence. I'm also a bit older now, and feel like I have something to contribute to the team,' he said. 'I just keep my head down, as Coach Daan says. Every week Coach Daan gives you a challenge, which makes you better, and I'm looking forward to this week's challenge.' The post Fouche feels 'dieplekker' about his Bok future appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Springboks ready for a changing of the forward guard in 2025
A number of exciting rising front row talents are set to get an opportunity to stake their claim for the Springboks over the coming international season. The Springboks are set to witness an end of an era and a changing of the guard in one of their strongest departments, the front row, over the coming international season. Injuries, retirements and age mean that a large contingent of Bok front row heroes from the past two World Cup wins will likely be on their way out, opening the door for some exciting new talent to step into the breach. The biggest loss was the forced retirement earlier this year of veteran loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff, who was unable to recover from a serious neck injury. His long-term Stormers and Bok front row partner Frans Malherbe has question marks hanging over his career due to neck and back injuries that have plagued him since the previous World Cup. Veteran struggles Another veteran, Sharks prop Trevor Nyakane, has also been plagued by various injuries, and along with Malherbe, look like they won't feature for the Boks this year. With them set to be 38 and 36 respectively by the time the next World Cup roles around in 2027, will they have a chance of forcing their way back into the Bok mix? Heading into the start of the international season in two weeks' time, two of the Boks' rising front ranking talents, the Bulls' Gerhard Steenekamp and soon to be Stormer Ntuthuko Mchunu, are also out of action with injuries. It is thus an exciting time for new talent and Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Stormers prop Neethling Fouche will likely benefit and get a chance to show what they can do in the games against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia in the coming weeks. Another one benefitting from the injuries is former Cheetahs and current Edinburgh prop, Boan Venter, who was added to the Bok squad this past weekend and he will be in line to make his debut along with Ntlabakanye and Fouche. Bulls utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels is also set for an extended run, after impressing for his franchise in the absence of Steenekamp, while he is also held in high regard by Bok coach Rassie Erasmus. Third choice hooker At hooker the Boks are still anxiously searching for a reliable third choice option, especially with Bongi Mbonambi heading into the twilight of his career. Deon Fourie covered that position at the World Cup in 2023, but is injured, while Joseph Dweba and Johan Grobbelaar, who have featured over the past few years, have both missed out on selection. That has opened the door for former Cheetahs and current Scarlets hooker Marnus van der Merwe to step in, and he will likely make his Bok debut and get a huge opportunity to stake a claim for the third choice slot over the coming season. Speaking at a Bok press conference last week, Erasmus admitted that we would see a lot of change in the front row this season. 'Kitsie has retired. Frans is not likely to play for us this season and Trevor definitely not. We have brought Asenathi in, and we have been working really hard behind the scenes with the Lions to get the best out of him,' said Erasmus. 'A guy like Neethling is 30 now and that is a lekker age for a tighthead. Thomas du Toit is doing really well on that side [in England], he's one of the top players there. Wilco [Louw] is also doing really well, and Ntuthuko Mchunu unfortunately has a knee injury now. 'I think it is natural that some of the older guys will either retire or fall off the pace. But we don't want to change our game and not keep that forward power. So hopefully the guys who get that opportunity will take it. We will definitely have other guys playing there this year.'
France 24
05-06-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Erasmus unveils monster Springbok squad for Tests against Baa-Baas, Italy and Georgia
The squad, consisting of 30 forwards and 24 backs, includes 31 Rugby World Cup veterans and nine uncapped players. There will be a staggered approach to players joining the camp that starts on June 8 given ongoing league finals in the United Rugby Championship and English Premiership. The full Japan-based contingent of players are all available following the conclusion of their season. Five players were not considered for selection due to injuries: Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie and Trevor Nyakane. "We were very pleased with the two Springbok alignment camps we hosted, and we are excited to have the luxury of announcing a squad with so much depth and talent," said Erasmus. "Having an expanded squad will not only afford us the opportunity to have productive training sessions, but it will also bode well for the younger players in the group to learn from the senior players, many of whom are Rugby World Cup champions. "We take pride in offering talented young players a chance to work first-hand with the coaches and to expose them to standards at international level, and we are excited to see them showcase their skills at the camp." Erasmus added: "We used a total of 50 players last season in an attempt to balance the load on them, while at the same time building towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, and with a few more talented youngsters in this group, we hope that they will learn valuable lessons and stake a strong claim for places in what will be a challenging, yet exciting season." The Springboks will meet the Barbarians in their first encounter on South African soil in Cape Town on June 28, followed by back-to-back Tests against Italy in Pretoria and Gqeberha on July 5 and 12, and Georgia in Nelspruit on July 19. Springbok squad Forwards: Juarno Augustus, Lood de Jager, Renzo du Plessis, Jean-Luc du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Neethling Fouche, Cameron Hanekom, Jean Kleyn, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Tshituka, Marco van Staden, Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese, Jasper Wiese Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Quan Horn, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Ntokozo Makhaza, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams
The South African
05-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Five players unavailable to Springboks: When will they be back?
In selecting his first Springbok training squad of the year, Rassie Erasmus cast his net far and wide, naming 54 players, nine of whom are uncapped. Five players, meanwhile, were not considered for selection due to injuries: Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie and Trevor Nyakane. Frans Malherbe Issue: Niggling back injury Expected return: There is a chance he could be rested for the July internationals, but the big prop should certainly be readily available for the Rugby Championship. Elrigh Louw Issue: Serious leg injury Expected return: Early next year. Ben-Jason Dixon Issue: Wrist injury Expected return: He will miss the July internationals, but could be back in contention during the Rugby Championship. Deon Fourie Issue: Serious ankle injury. Expected return: He should be back in training before the Rugby Championship. Trevor Nyakane Issue: Ruptured Achilles tendon Expected return: Towards the end of 2025 ULL SPRINGBOK SQUAD: Forwards: Cameron Hanekom, Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Bulls), Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche, Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Neethling Fouche, Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Renzo du Plessis, Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks). Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams (Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie (Bulls), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse (Stormers), Quan Horn, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe (Lions), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT). Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Meanwhile, here is an important reminder on ticket sales for the Springbok men's game against Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Twickenham in October. Ticket sales Tickets are on sale via and England Rugby, starting from just £55* for adults and £28* for Under-16s. (*booking fees apply)
The South African
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Springboks: Injury list, recovery timelines
As the Springboks' 2025 season draws ever closer, a group of 54 players will take part in a variety of upcoming preparation sessions as the national team gears up for the international season, which kicks off on 28 June against the Barbarians. Five players were not considered for the alignment camp due to injuries, though, namely Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie, and Trevor Nyakane. Frans Malherbe: The World Cup winner has been battling with a niggling back injury since late March, and he is likely to miss the remainder of the Stormers' season. There is a chance he could be rested for the July internationals, but should certainly be readily available for the Rugby Championship. Elrigh Louw: The youngster is recovering from a serious leg injury, and will unfortunately be out of action for the whole year. Ben-Jason Dixon: The versatile forward is currently sidelined with a wrist injury, and indications are he will remain unavailable for the rest of the domestic season. He will miss the July internationals, but could be back in contention during the Rugby Championship. Deon Fourie: The Springbok stalwart is out for at least three months due to a serious ankle injury. He should be back in training before the Rugby Championship, but considering he turns 39 in September, it does seem likely that the national coaches will now be looking at younger, long-term player investments. Trevor Nyakane: Another veteran who unfortunately may have his Springbok days behind him. Currently recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, it seems unlikely that the 36-year-old will be available this year. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Meanwhile, here is an important reminder on ticket sales for the Springbok men's game against Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Twickenham in October. Ticket sales Tickets are on sale via and England Rugby, starting from just £55* for adults and £28* for Under-16s. (*booking fees apply)
