Deon Fourie will always have a special place in South African rugby history after becoming the oldest Springbok debutant at 35 before going on to play a crucial role at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Since then, the legendary Stormers utility forward has been beset by unfortunate injuries, and many feared that he potentially suffered a career-ending setback after sustaining an ACL tearm in April last year, followed by a torn bicep.
As the 39-year-old faced another lengthy period of recovery and rehab once again, he admitted that an uncertain path lay ahead, but he recently fought his way back into the Stormers set up.
However, there are now once again concerns about an injury he suffered after he was caught awkwardly in a croc roll at the breakdown by Ulster lock Iain Henderson on Friday.
The Irish player was initially yellow-carded before his sanction was upgraded to a 20-minute red.
“I feel very sorry for Deon Fourie,” Stormers coach John Dobson said after the game. “That type of action has to be removed from the game.
“No player can survive that. If we don’t take that out, there’s no room for turnovers and the game becomes like rugby league.
“I don’t think the player meant to injure him deliberately, and I think the referee probably got it right,” Dobson added. “But it’s a big blow for us, especially with the form Deon’s been in.”
Springbok and Stormers veteran has been in impressive form recenty
In recent weeks, Fourie has been in top form, earning high praise from Dobson.
“I didn’t expect him to come back this good,” Dobson said as the Stormers approach the URC playoffs. “He’s in incredible form.
Impact off the bench
Dobson said the leadership and breakdown influence of Fourie was particularly impressive.
“What one can do in 20 or 30 minutes, the other matches. It is remarkable and it’s worked for us in three or four games.”
