Veteran utility forward Deon Fourie is back in the Springbok setup, with Rassie Erasmus calling on his experience ahead of South Africa’s blockbuster four-Test series against New Zealand.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has added veteran forward Deon Fourie to the national squad as South Africa prepares for the highly anticipated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks.
The 39-year-old, who can operate at both hooker and loose forward, is set to join the Springbok squad in Johannesburg on Tuesday as preparations intensify for the historic series.
Fourie’s return comes after he made his comeback to top-level rugby for the Stormers in their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener against New Zealand on Friday.
Fourie brings experience and versatility
Fourie’s recall is a significant boost for Erasmus, particularly given his ability to cover multiple positions in the forward pack.
The World Cup winner last represented the Springboks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, when South Africa famously defeated New Zealand 12-11 in Paris to retain the Webb Ellis Cup.
His experience of playing in high-pressure matches could prove valuable as the Springboks prepare for another demanding encounter with their greatest rivals.
Fourie has also demonstrated remarkable resilience after spending an extended period on the sidelines through injury. His return to action against the All Blacks showed that he remains capable of competing at the highest level.
Four-Test All Blacks series awaits
The Springboks and All Blacks will meet four times in the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
The opening Test is scheduled for Saturday, 22 August at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, before the teams meet again at:
- 29 August: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
- 5 September: FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
- 12 September: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA
The unprecedented series promises to be one of the biggest rugby events of the year, with South Africa and New Zealand renewing one of international rugby’s most celebrated rivalries.
A familiar face returns to the Boks
Fourie’s return also adds another experienced campaigner to a Springbok squad already packed with established stars.
The veteran made his Test debut against Wales in 2022 and has gone on to earn 13 Test caps and score two tries for South Africa.
His most recent appearance came as a replacement in the 2023 World Cup final, making his latest recall another remarkable chapter in his international career.
At 39, Fourie will be one of the more experienced players in the squad, but his versatility and work rate could make him an important option for Erasmus during the demanding four-match series.
Deon Fourie factfile
| Full name | Deon André Fourie |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 September 1986 |
| Birthplace | Pretoria, South Africa |
| Position | Hooker / Loose forward |
| Springbok number | 927 |
| Test caps | 13 |
| Test tries | 2 |
| Springbok debut | 9 July 2022 vs Wales |
| Most recent Test | 28 October 2023 vs New Zealand |
