Gerbrandt Grobler


Douw Gerbrandt Grobler is a South African rugby union player, who plays for Stade Français. His regular position is lock. He played with and the between 2012 and 2014, before missing the 2015 and 2016 seasons due to a [|positive drugs test]. He joined for the 2016–2017 season before moving to Irish province Munster for the 2017–2018 season. Grobler then joined English side Gloucester ahead of the 2018–2019 season before moving to Stade Français ahead of the 2020–21 season.

Career

Youth

He went to Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Pretoria and represented the at the 2010 Craven Week.
He then moved to Cape Town to join. He played for the team in the 2011 Under-19 Provincial Championship and for the team in the 2012 and 2013 Under-21 Provincial Championships.

Western Province / Stormers

He was included in the squad for the 2012 Vodacom Cup and made his debut in their 42–31 Quarter Final victory over the.
He made three more first class appearances for in the 2013 Vodacom Cup before being included on the bench for the ' Super Rugby game against the. He remained unused for that match, but made his Super Rugby debut the following week, playing off the bench in a 22–15 victory over the in Cape Town. After another spell with the Vodacom Cup side, where he made a further four starts, he returned to the Super Rugby side to make his first start in the competition against the and eventually making a total of five appearances in the competition.
He made his Currie Cup debut in August 2013, starting in Western Province's 24–24 draw with the in the opening round of the 2013 Currie Cup Premier Division season. He made a further six appearances as a reserve in the remainder of the tournament, but then suffered an ankle injury that ruled him out of the play-off stages, as well as the majority of the 2014 season.
He made his return to the side in October 2014, starting their final regular season match against the. He also played off the bench in the final, helping win the title by beating the 19–16.

Drugs ban

In February 2015, it was revealed that Grobler received a two-year ban from the sport after failing a drugs test. The South African Institute for Drug Free Sport confirmed that Grobler tested positively for the anabolic steroid drostanolone after a match in October 2014 during the 2014 Currie Cup Premier Division. Grobler admitted his guilt and received a ban for two years, effective until October 2016.

Racing 92

After his serving his two-year ban, Grobler left South Africa to sign for top French club Racing 92 in the Top 14 for the 2016-17 season.

Munster

In July 2017, it was announced that Grobler had joined Irish Pro14 side Munster on a one-year contract. On 24 August 2017, Grobler made his non-competitive debut for Munster when he started alongside compatriot Jean Kleyn against Worcester Warriors in a pre-season friendly in Sixways Stadium. During the game, Grobler suffered an ankle injury which he subsequently had to undergo surgery for. He was ruled out until early 2018. Grobler finally made his competitive debut for Munster on 10 February 2018, coming off the bench in the provinces' 33–5 win against Zebre in the 2017–18 Pro14.

Gloucester

Grobler joined English Premiership side Gloucester ahead of the 2018–19 season.

Stade Français

Grobler joined Stade Français ahead of the 2020–21 season.