Springbok prop Frans Malherbe, a key figure in the team's success, is facing a challenging period as he battles an ongoing back issue that sidelined him since March last year.
The rugby community has been holding out hope for Malherbe's return, with the player opting for a conservative rehabilitation approach to avoid career-threatening surgery.
Despite turning 35 soon, Malherbe is determined to regain full fitness and potentially aim for selection in the upcoming URC season and even eyes a spot in the 2027 World Cup squad.
