It should never be forgotten just how vital Deon Fourie was to the Springboks’ 2023 Rugby World Cup success. Thrust into the role of back-up hooker behind Bongi Mbonambi, the versatile forward delivered when it mattered most – playing a key role in South Africa’s journey to back-to-back world titles.
The Fightback That Inspired a Nation
Just months later, Fourie’s future was thrown into doubt after he sustained a serious knee injury while playing for the Stormers. At 37, many assumed it would mark the end of his remarkable career. But Fourie had other ideas. He battled his way back to fitness, refusing to let injury dictate his final chapter. His message was clear: he wasn’t going to retire watching from the stands.
Another Cruel Twist
However, his comeback story has taken a devastating turn. During the Stormers’ 34-29 United Rugby Championship win over Connacht at Cape Town Stadium, the veteran forward is believed to have suffered a broken tibia – with early signs pointing towards a long-term layoff. With Fourie set to turn 39 in September, there are growing concerns this injury could finally bring down the curtain on one of South African rugby’s most determined careers.
Dobson Provides Sombre Update
Speaking after the match, Stormers head coach John Dobson didn’t sugar-coat the situation.
“That’s a very serious injury, by the looks of things,” he said. “It looks like a broken tibia. We haven’t scanned or x-rayed him yet… but Keke (Morabe) was out for close to a year with that.”
“You’d have to do the maths and realise we’re probably at a crossroads (for his career), which I hope is not the case. Often with those things, it depends on the nature of the break.”
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With the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad announcement just around the corner, the rumour mill is already in overdrive. Andy Farrell’s selection promises to be one of the boldest in recent history—and not everyone is safe. Here are five shock omissions we think are on the cards—and why their Lions dreams might be dead before the squad is even named…
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