VIDEO - Deon Fourie: 'New deal will be a gamble'
WATCH as World Cup winner Deon Fourie talks about his battle with a long-term injury in the latest episode of Boks Office.
The 38-year-old Stormer has been out of action since April when he suffered a serious knee injury in a Champions Cup Round of 16 clash against Stade Rochelais.
Fourie required surgery and now he is ramping up his recovery as he eyes a return to action at the end of November.
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“It’s challenging,” said Fourie.
“I’ve been fortunate enough in my 18-year career that I haven’t been out for more than three months ever for an injury. So, it is going to be the first time for nine months.
“There are ups and downs. It goes well and then the knee puffs up and then you are two weeks back, so emotionally and mentally it’s a bit of a struggle.
“It’s going better. In the last few weeks, I started running straight lines and then you are feeling like you are getting there.
“I’ve got the boots back on the feet so that helps a lot.
“The goal is the end of November against the Sharks away. But there is no rush. I will make sure it is 100 percent.”
Taking his age into consideration, Fourie admits that his days at the Stormers are numbered, and a new deal will probably be unlikely.
“I’m contracted until July next year, so let’s see how I look when I get back,” he said.
“There is a lot of young talent coming through as well, so it will be a gamble for the coaching staff.
“Somewhere they must hand over the baton.
On his chances of making the Springbok team again, Fourie added: “That will be nice but the Boks are doing so great and they also have to build for the next World Cup.
“It’s almost a year gone already.”
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