Fourie poised for Bok return
Springbok centre Jaque Fourie has signed a new two-year deal with Japanese club Kolbe Steelers that allows him to play Test rugby.
The 30-year-old, who made himself unavailable for Springbok selection for the 2012 and 2013 seasons, said on Sunday he hopes to make his Springbok return next year ahead of the 2015 World Cup.
"I have signed another two-year contract that will see me through to 2016, but there is an option that allows me, if selected, to go back and play for my country," Fourie told Kyodo News.
"I made sure the club was 100% behind my decision and they were very happy to agree, so come next year if all goes well I will be playing Test match rugby.
"The World Cup in 2015 would be my fourth and I set myself a goal of playing in it when I came here. It's a goal I am working towards and I want to be in the best possible condition."
The 69-Test veteran believes the less demanding Top League schedule will aid his longevity and help him reach his World Cup goal.
"My goal when I came here was to prolong my career and give myself another two or three seasons," Fourie said.
"We play 20 to 25 games a year here not 40, so it's much easier to keep your body fresh as Fourie [du Preez] and George [Smith] proved.
"I aim to be in the best possible condition of my life come 2015."
The Springboks, meanwhile, will be able to call on JP Pietersen for their end-of-year tour of Europe next month.
Pietersen’s contract with the Wild Knights makes provision for him to be available for the June and November internationals, but not the Rugby Championship.
The 27-year-old wing is set to return to the Sharks for the 2014 Super Rugby season.
