Bok legend's comeback halted
NEWS: Springboks legend Jaque Fourie days of playing rugby have officially come to an end.
Fourie has been running the Western Force’s defence this season and had initially planned to combine that with a playing return when he linked up with the club.
However, a series of niggles have prevented from reaching full fitness and the 33-year-old opted to put an end to his playing days, the Rugbycomau reported.
Force coach Tim Sampson it was disappointing that the former Springbok wouldn’t take the field but he was still having an influence on the team.
“Jaque initially had the intent to play but not long after arriving he had a couple of niggles and just made a decision to call time in his career,” Sampson told Rugbycomau.
“It would’ve been great to get some game time out of him but he certainly fills in a lot at training and likes to think he’s still got it but he’s slowly beginning to be shown up by the lads,”
Fourie, who played 72 Tests for the Springboks between 2003 and 2013 before taking up club rugby in Japan until early 2017, will still have an impact for the Force in his coaching role, Sampson said.
“He loves it, he’s a guy that gives us a lot of energy and if you look at his playing days he was a key link man for the Springboks in that position as a defence captain in the back line and the guys really respond to Jaque,” he said.
“I think it’s been a strength this year, our defence, and hopefully Jaque can continue to put his print on our defensive systems and structures,”
@rugbycomau
In other news:
