
Springbok forward ruled out indefinitely—Retirement on the cards
Rassie Erasmus' Springbok camp has been dealt another injury blow following Deon Fourie's injury against Connacht last weekend.
The World Cup winner lasted just one minute before being substituted off in the 63rd minute after sustaining a broken tibia in open play. The 38-year-old was later seen visibly upset, in crutches and a brace.
While Stormers are yet to confirm, many believe this to be a season-ending injury, denting his chances of donning the green and gold again.
'It's a broken tibia, so he'll be out for a while,' Sharks forwards coach, Rito Hlungwani, said after the game.
'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.
'He has really took Paul de Villiers under his wing. 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.'
It feels like an age since the Springboks last took to the field, a sad realisation that is scheduled to be overturned from the beginning of July, after which, fans will enjoy a flurry of high-calibre games.
There first game is against Italy on July 5 at Loftus Versfald.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

IOL News
9 hours ago
- IOL News
‘Playing in Japan makes us better players' —Jesse Kriel defends overseas-based Springboks
SPRINGBOK centre Jesse Kriel Japan, says he has become a better player because of the cross-pollination of rugby acumen. | Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers Bulls coach Jake White, for some time, has been advocating that the Springbok players based overseas should be brought home to strengthen the local teams, but Bok centre Jesse Kriel disagrees. Kriel, who is based in Japan, says he has become a better player because of the cross-pollination of rugby acumen that occurs when players from all over the world are pooled together, as is the case in the Japanese teams. Joining Kriel in the current Bok squad preparing for the Barbarians season-opener on June 28 are fellow Japan-based players in Lood de Jager, Faf de Klerk, Damian de Allende, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe and Malcolm Marx. That is a hefty chunk of polished Springboks. Kriel pointed to White himself as a good example of how overseas experience can benefit a coach (or player). 'If you look at a coach like Jake, he's also coached in Japan for a few years. He coached over in France (with Montpellier) and also in Australia (Brumbies), which has probably made him a better coach. 'He probably gained a lot of IP (intellectual property) overseas from different types of players and the different ways people think, and how they want to play and approach the game,' Kriel explained. 'From my point of view, and I know a lot of the other guys share my thought process, when you go over there, you are playing with Fijians, Tongans, New Zealanders, Australians, Welsh guys, and English guys. You learn different things from everyone, and I think it's also good to observe how the game is seen differently.' It is also documented that players can prolong their careers by playing in Japan, where the leagues are less physically arduous. 'I've certainly enjoyed being over in Japan,' Kriel added. 'There are a lot fewer distractions compared to being back in South Africa. "So it's been great in terms of working on our individual games, and I think the guys that return from overseas always come back into camp pretty focused and willing to work hard. I think it's been great.' Rassie Erasmus, sitting next to Kriel in the press conference, wanted to add to Kriel's response. 'To put into perspective the debate about picking overseas players… If you look at the players that we've selected for the Springboks, I think you will find it very seldom that an overseas-based player is younger than 26 or 27. We seldom pick a young player based abroad,' the coach explained. 'I think Jasper Wiese must have been one of the youngest players that we've picked from overseas, and he was 25. 'We recently called up Juano Augustus (from Northampton), and he is 27,' Erasmus continued. 'He had been the World Rugby Junior Player of the year in 2017, and he went overseas soon after. But we did not pick him until now (after five years overseas). 'So we don't encourage a young player to go overseas, and if they do go, they know it will be difficult for us to pick them. There are very few young players that get picked from there.'


The Citizen
9 hours ago
- The Citizen
Bulls urged ‘to make history' in URC final
Former player Deon Stegmann said the Bulls have momentum going into the URC final. Bulls supporters during the URC semifinal against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on 7 June 2025 in Pretoria. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images Good luck wishes started pouring in for the Vodacom Blue Bulls ahead of their United Rugby Championship (URC) final against Leinster in Ireland on Saturday. This is the third time the Bulls have reached the URC final. Former Bulls coach Nollis Marais wished the team the best of luck ahead of the match. 'This is the moment you have been working towards for the last four years. An away final is never easy but if there is one thing a Bulls team has always been able to do, it is to make history. You are not going into the final just to compete, but to make a statement with every tackle and every carry. I know you will play for each other and for every Blue Bulls supporter out there because that is what the Bulls do,' he said. 'Good luck and bring the cup to South Africa where it belongs, especially inside Loftus' trophy cabinet.' Former Bulls high-performance manager and Springbok manager, Ian Schwartz, said the Bulls have the players and the experience to win in Ireland. 'The last hurdle is the one that counts, but with the experience gained from previous finals, a world-class coach and top-class players, I'm sure you'll rise to the challenge. All of South Africa is behind you, united in support,' he said. ALSO READ: Bulls in Super Rugby and URC finals: Three wins, two defeats Former Bulls and Springbok player Deon Stegmann congratulated the team for making it to the URC final. 'It has been so nice watching you play rugby these past few weeks,' he said. He said the Bulls are in good form. 'The momentum they currently have is wonderful. Good luck with tomorrow's game and enjoy it. I know you guys enjoy it most when you dominate on the field. Don't worry about the scoreboard, the scoreboard will sort itself out. As long as you play your hearts out, nothing can go wrong,' he said. Former Blue Bulls and Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer urged the team to bring the trophy home. Meyer said when walking into the Loftus changeroom, you can smell the trophies and the tradition. 'They have won the most throughout history,' he said. However, Meyer said, unfortunately, nobody remembers if you lose the final. 'They say you lost. A win is just so much better.' NOW READ: URC final: Four Bulls players eager to make a Springbok statement


The South African
12 hours ago
- The South African
Springboks: List of Backs likely to be sent home
Rassie Eramsas will be trimming his 55-man Springboks training squad. These backs will likely be cut. Springboks head coach, Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that he will be sending players back to their clubs following the commencement of the URC final between the Bulls and Leinster on Saturday, 14 June 2025. Therefore, a few players in the current training squad will be going home. Let's take a look at the backline stars likely to return to their clubs. Quan Horn Ntokozo Makhaza Morne van den Berg Horn is no doubt a quality player. Hence, the Lions fullback's call-up to the Springboks preliminary training squad. However, there is simply too much depth at 15 to see Horn getting any real opportunities in bigger test matches for the Springboks in 2025. Aphelele Fassi flourished in at fullback for the Boks last year. Meanwhile, Bok veteran, Willie le Roux is back to his best at the Bulls. Finally, Damien Willemse is fit and raring to go. Meanwhile, Makhaza is no doubt one of the biggest surprise call-ups in Springboks history. Having not played a single minute for any of the SA Rugby club franchises, he was called up to the Bok squad. However, he is unlikely to be thrown into the deep end before being tested at club level with his soon-to-be new club, the Cheetahs. Although, with Rassie, anything is possible. Finally, Lions scrumhalf, van den Berg is in the mix but he will not be replacing the likes of Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach or Grant Williams (who is on his way back from injury). Meanwhile, these SEVEN Springboks forwards are likely to be sent home. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.