Springbok Deon Fourie dispels retirement fears with new Stormers deal

South African utility forward Deon Fourie will extend his professional career into its third decade after signing a one-year contract extension with the Stormers.

The 2023 World Cup winner, who will turn 39 in September, is currently sidelined for the rest of the season after breaking his leg against Connacht earlier this month, leaving many questioning whether he would play again.

The 13-cap Bok has already had to overcome one serious injury since being part of the Springboks side that lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in Paris, having missed much of 2024 due to a torn ACL.

Despite facing the prospect of another long road to recovery, he is relishing his return next season, where he will likely overtake Steven Kitshoff in third place in the Stormers’ all-time appearance charts. With 132 appearances to his name, Fourie only needs seven more to overtake his recently-retired Springboks team-mate.

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“Injuries are part of the game and luckily this one was not as severe as it could have been,” he said.

“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.”

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson added: “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.”