La Rochelle interested in signing two-time World Cup winning Springbok

Atonio sadly retired at the age of 35 after suffering a heart attack in January 2026, while Sclavi is set to join Leicester Tigers this summer.

According to Midi Olympique, La Rochelle have identified 35-year-old Malherbe as a potential replacement, despite the veteran prop not having played since March last year and previously coming close to retirement because of recurring back injuries.

Malherbe had been involved in several South African squads after Heyneke Meyer became head coach in 2012 but initially struggled to earn his first cap. His opportunity finally arrived on 9 November 2013 against Wales in Cardiff, after an injury ruled out Jannie du Plessis.

The tighthead impressed on debut despite scrummaging against the vastly experienced Gethin Jenkins. He retained his place for the following Test against Scotland in Edinburgh, although an injury before half-time forced him off and prematurely ended his tour.

The prop later played a role in South Africa’s triumph at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where he also scored the first Test try of his career off the bench in the Springboks’ final pool match against Canada. South Africa went on to lift the trophy after defeating England in the final.

He then played six matches at the 2023 World Cup in France, including a start in the final where the Boks defeated the All Blacks to lift their second title in a row.

Malherbe has recently resumed training with the Stormers and attended the Springboks’ first training camp of the season in early March. If he does make the move to La Rochelle next season, it would mark the first time the experienced prop has played club rugby in France.

Interestingly, a move to the Top 14 almost happened a decade ago. In 2016, Malherbe revealed that he had turned down an offer from Toulon, explaining at the time that he wanted to remain in South Africa and keep his focus on his Springbok career.

With circumstances now very different, a switch to La Rochelle could represent the final major challenge of his professional career.