Douw Gerbrandt Grobler (born 6 February 1992) is a South African rugby union player, who plays for Sharks (Currie Cup). His regular position is lock.[1]
Grobler made three more first class appearances for Western Province in the 2013 Vodacom Cup before being included on the bench for the Stormers' Super Rugby game against the Cheetahs.[4] 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 Sharks in Cape Town.[5] 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 Reds[6] and eventually making a total of five appearances in the competition.
Grobler made his Currie Cup debut in August 2013, starting in Western Province's 24–24 draw with the Blue Bulls in the opening round of the 2013 Currie Cup Premier Division season.[7] 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.
Grobler made his return to the side in October 2014, starting their final regular season match against the Sharks.[8] He also played off the bench in the final, helping Western Province win the title by beating the Golden Lions 19–16.[9]
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 steroiddrostanolone 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.[10][11][12][13]
In July 2017, it was announced that Grobler had joined Irish Pro14 side Munster on a one-year contract.[15] 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.[16] During the game, Grobler suffered an ankle injury which he subsequently had to undergo surgery for.[17] He was ruled out until early 2018.[18] 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.[19]
