Jozua Francois Malherbe, known as Frans Malherbe, is a South African rugby union player.
Born on 14 March 1991, Malherbe has made a name for himself as a tighthead prop for the South Africa national team and the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship.
Malherbe is named in the South Africa Springboks squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
You can follow Frans Malherbe’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, and more here.
About Frans Malherbe
Frans Malherbe was born on March 14, 1991, in Bredasdorp, South Africa. He attended Paarl Boys’ High School, where he captained the First Rugby team to victory in Interschools in his Matric year.
His early life in Bredasdorp, a town about 160km from Cape Town, and his education at Paarl Boys’ High School, which has produced several Springboks, including Corne Krige, Carel du Plessis, and Boy Louw, laid a strong foundation for his rugby career.
Club Career
Malherbe’s club career began with the Stormers, a South African professional rugby union team based in Cape Town.
He made his senior debut for the Western Province and the Stormers in 2011.
The following year, he fully cemented his place in both sides, playing in every Stormers match during the 2012 Super Rugby season and only missing one match in Western Province’s successful 2012 Currie Cup Premier Division campaign.
In 2012, he started the Currie Cup final, aged 21, as Western Province beat the Sharks 25-18 in Durban to take the trophy for the first time in 11 years.
Despite lucrative offers from Japanese Top League clubs, Malherbe committed to Western Province and the Stormers in April 2021.
International Career
Malherbe made his test debut for the South Africa national team on 9 November 2013 against Wales in Cardiff.
He was a regular for South Africa from June 2018 to the 2019 World Cup win, playing 21 Internationals with 19 starts.
South Africa, also known as the Springboks, is currently the reigning World Champion and has won the World Cup on three occasions: 1995, 2007, and 2019.
Frans Malherbe’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Frans Malherbe’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million. The Springboks tighthead prop’s prime source of earnings is his South Africa rugby union salary, club salaries, and sponsorship deals.
Salary and Career Earnings
Frans Malherbe reportedly earns R19 million a year. Malherbe has remained committed to his club, the Stormers, and has not taken a loan stint in Japan to increase his career earnings, a common practice among many rugby players.
He has been a professional rugby player for over a decade, making his senior debut for the Western Province and the Stormers in 2011.
He has remained with the Stormers throughout his career, even signing a contract extension with the team until 2026.
Endorsements
Malherbe has been associated with the sports brand Asics as a brand ambassador. Asics is a well-known sports equipment company that produces professional footwear and sports equipment designed for various sports.
Personal Details
| Full name | Jozua Francois Malherbe |
| Nickname | Frans |
| Date of birth | 14 March 1991 |
| Place of birth | Bredasdorp, South Africa |
| Height | 1.89 m (6 ft 2+1⁄2 in) |
| Weight | 141 kg (311 lb; 22 st 3 lb) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Current Net Worth | $1.5 Million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Ingrid Malherbe |
| Instagram Profile | @fmalherbs |
Wife
Frans Malherbe is married to Ingrid Malherbe, previously known as Ingrid van Huyssteen. The couple has been together for over eight years, starting their relationship in April 2016.
After about six years of dating, Frans proposed to Ingrid in July 2022, and they married on 4 February 2023.
Ingrid Malherbe is a creative professional who has worked at Lark Haus, a boutique consultancy firm, and works at Artist.
Originally from Pretoria, Ingrid attended Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool, also known as Affies, and holds a BA Humanities degree from Stellenbosch University.
Career Stats
| Year | Team | Position | Caps |
| 2019 | Stormers | Prop | 32 |
| 2023 | South Africa national team | Prop | 65 |
FAQs
Who is Frans Malherbe?
Frans Malherbe is a South African rugby player. He’s a tighthead prop who plays for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship and the Springboks, the national team. Born on March 14, 1991, in Bredasdorp, South Africa, he’s known as one of the best tighthead props in world rugby.
What teams has Frans Malherbe played for?
Malherbe has mainly played for two teams throughout his career. He started with Western Province in the Currie Cup and has been with the Stormers in Super Rugby (now United Rugby Championship) since 2011. He’s also been a regular South African national team fixture since 2013.
What are Frans Malherbe’s major achievements?
Malherbe has had an impressive career. He was part of the South African team winning the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and 2023. He also won the Currie Cup with Western Province in 2012 and the United Rugby Championship with the Stormers in 2022. In 2017, he was named SA Rugby Player of the Year.
How many caps does Frans Malherbe have for South Africa?
As of the latest information, Frans Malherbe has earned 65 caps for the South African national team. He made his debut for the Springboks in 2013 against Wales in Cardiff.
What position does Frans Malherbe play?
Malherbe plays as a tighthead prop. This is a crucial position in the front row of the scrum, responsible for providing stability and power in set pieces and open play.
Has Frans Malherbe ever captained a team?
Yes, Malherbe was named captain of the Stormers in 2022. That same year, he led the team to victory in the inaugural United Rugby Championship.
What are some of Frans Malherbe’s physical attributes?
Malherbe is known for his impressive physical presence on the field. He is tall at 1.9 meters (6 feet 3 inches) and weighs around 123 kg (271 lbs). These attributes and his skill and experience make him a formidable force in the front row.
Is Frans Malherbe married?
Yes, Frans Malherbe is married to Ingrid Malherbe (née van Huyssteen). They married on February 4, 2023, after being together for over eight years.
What makes Frans Malherbe such a good scrummager?
Malherbe is known for his technical prowess in the scrum. He’s excellent at getting his weight down on the loosehead’s neck on engagement and doesn’t overextend his legs. He’s also very good at controlling the scrum, allowing his loosehead to be aggressive. His size, combined with his technique, makes it incredibly difficult for him to move.
Has Frans Malherbe ever played overseas?
Malherbe has remained loyal to South African rugby, unlike many South African players. He rejected a lucrative offer to play in France, stating that he wanted to stay in South Africa to play as many Tests as possible for the Springboks.

