Springbok prop Frans Malherbe has explained the reasoning behind his decision to turn down a lucrative offer from a Japanese side to remain with Western Province and the Stormers.
According to a Netwerk24 report, Malherbe received an offer from a Japanese Top League club and had seriously considered moving abroad, but decided against such a move at the last minute partly to stay at and compete for titles with WP and the Stormers, but mainly to remain in contention for Springbok selection during the three-Test series against the British & Irish Lions.
‘Together with WP Rugby, I worked through the offer that was put on the table and seriously considered it. But I decided against it because my club responsibilities would in all probability have overlapped with the Springboks’ Test series against the Lions,’ Malherbe explained.
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The 30-year-old prop also revealed his belief in the current Stormers coaching set-up and playing squad to turn a page and successfully compete for titles.
‘I have a lot of confidence in our [playing] group and especially in John Dobson and his coaching staff,’ Malherbe said.
‘I enjoy working with them and I reckon, as a collective, the management team deserves more credit than what they get.
‘While I’m still in Cape Town, I really want to win a big competition under Dobbo, Dawie [Snyman], Norman [Laker] and everyone else who is currently part of the coaching set-up. I truly believe there’s something special brewing at WP.’
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
