During the 2023 World Cup, Deon Fourie became an unexpected hero in many respects, having found himself thrust into a frontline role after a serious injury to Springbok stalwart Malcolm Marx left him suddenly serving as the back-up hooker to Bongi Mbonambi.
In the final itself, another injury suffered by Mbonambi early on saw Fourie having to play almost the full 80 minutes, while even serving as the stand-in captain during the dying stages of the game.
The veteran utility forward has not featured for the Springboks since that final, and many feared that he potentially suffered a career-ending injury after sustaining a broken tibia suffered in a URC match against Connacht back in April.
Fourie always insisted he didn’t want to have an injury bring an end to his career though, and the 39-year-old fought his way back, and was able to run out for the Stormers this past Friday.
Sadly, he went down again – this time clutching his arm – and coach John Dobson has revealed that it is a serious injury that will once again require surgery.
Emotional setback for special Stormers and Springbok car
After Friday’s game, Dobson admitted that the injury to Fourie had certainly soured what was otherwise an emphatic 34-0 thrashing of the Scarlets.
“Deon’s devastated,” Dobson said after the match. “There lot of tears in the change room, Deon was in tears.
“It’s a serious bicep injury that will require surgery, so he’ll go home.
“It’s an emotional change room – as much as the win is pleasing, it shows how tight this team is that they’re so upset about Deon.”
Another blow
Considering Fourie has just turned 39 years old in September, there are understandable concerns that he might not be able to make a comeback to the field this time.
Whatever the case may be, there is no doubt that Fourie has already cemented his place as a true legend of South African rugby.
