Fourie makes call on playing future
CONTRACT EXTENSION: Stormers stalwart Deon Fourie has signed a one-year contract extension and will be available to play from the start of next season.
The all-action utility forward currently has 132 Stormers caps to his name, putting him fourth on the all-time list behind the likes of Steven Kitshoff (138), Frans Malherbe (152) and Brok Harris (170).
Having recently suffered a leg injury in the United Rugby Championship victory against Connacht, Fourie will return to full fitness before the start of next season and will be ready to make an impact from the side of the scrum once again.
Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said that the attitude and determination that Fourie has met his latest setback with sums up the man he is.
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“Deon is a true warrior and still has a significant contribution to make for us next season, both on the field and in terms of his leadership.
“He is a remarkable player who has done so much for this team over the years and we know that he will give all he has in characteristic fashion when he returns next season,” he said.
“Deon [Fourie] will go on to be one of the greatest Stormers sons of all times,” Dobson added
“What he’s done since returning [to South Africa] is a bigger body of work.
“What he is beginning to personify not just in Stormers but South African rugby is being this ‘yster’ [hard man].
“There’s this indestructible guy and the story of him refusing to finish his career on a golf cart or a medical brace is remarkable.”
“If Deon is determined to end on his own terms, he’s going to do exactly that.
“And he’ll do it properly. We all know Deon well enough that he’s not here to collect a cheque or because he has nothing else to do.”
Fourie said that while missing the business end of the current season will be frustrating, he is ready to empty the tank for the team he has served so well next season.
“Injuries are part of the game and luckily this one was not as severe as it could have been. I’ll get right behind the boys as they head towards the play-offs and then focus on recovery and making as big an impact as I can next season.
“Playing for this team means a lot to me and you can be sure that I’ll be giving all I can and making the most of every chance I get to pull that jersey on next season,” he said.
Video credit @Stormers
