(1) The court may make an order appointing a next friend with or without an application.
(2) An application for an order appointing a next friend may be made by a —
(a) party; or
(b) person,
who wishes to be a next friend.
(3) If —
(a) a person makes a claim against a minor or patient;
(b) the minor or patient has no next friend; and
(c) either —
(i) someone who is not entitled to be a next friend files a defence, or
(ii) the claimant wishes to take some step in the proceedings,
the claimant must apply to the court for an order appointing a next friend for the minor or patient.
(4) An application for an order appointing a next friend must be supported by evidence on affidavit.
(5) The court may not appoint a next friend under this rule, unless it is satisfied that the person to be appointed complies with the conditions specified in rule 23.6.