Injured Springbok takes on new role at Stormers
The Stormers are utilising Springbok Deon Fourie in a role despite the latest injury setback he suffered this past weekend. MARIETTE ADAMS reports.
Injured Springbok Deon Fourie's career may be headed for a downward trajectory, but he is carrying on as a consummate professional at the Stormers.
The veteran utility forward has been ruled out of action for at least four months after breaking his tibia in the Stormers' United Rugby Championship game against Connacht at DHL Stadium this past weekend.
The 38-year-old loose forward came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute for the Stormers, but unfortunately he lasted less than a minute as he was seen limping off the field in the 63rd minute.
On Tuesday, forwards coach Rito Hlungwani revealed that the Springbok is undeterred by his latest setback and has already rolled up his sleeves and jumped into action to help the Stormers in other ways in their hunt for a place in the URC playoffs.
'It's a broken tibia, so he'll be out for a while,' Hlungwani told at a press conference.
'Losing a player of Deon's calibre and experience is a major blow. But you know, Deon was in yesterday and he is in today,' the Stormers assistant coach revealed.
'He is one guy that really contributes to the team in total different ways. So not having him on the field is a major blow, but he'll still be present.
Hlungwani went on to praise the extent of Fourie for his dedication to the Stormers cause despite misfortune on the injury front.
'He has really took Paul de Villiers under his wing,' said Hlungwani.
'He was in the office today analysing the game with him, so we're still have him in that regard, it's just tricky and tough not having him on the field. We're moving forward and he is helping us move forward in the right ways.'
The Stormers are currently in eighth position in the URC standings – the last available playoff spot – with three rounds of regular season action to go.
There are several other teams pressing for that eighth-place, but what counts in the Stormers favour is the fact they will play their three remaining round-robin fixtures – Benetton, the Dragons and Cardiff – in front of their faithful fans at the DHL Stadium in the Mother City.
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