World Cup hero Deon Fourie back in action for WP after four-month injury layoff

Fourie has been sidelined for more than four months following a leg break sustained during a United Rugby Championship clash against Connacht in Cape Town in April.

There were fears that the 38-year-old's career was over after he suffered the injury, but he signed a one-year contract extension with the Stormers earlier this year. Now fully recovered, he has been named among WP's replacements for their Currie Cup clash with the Pumas at DHL Stadium on Saturday.

Western Province are yet to register a Currie Cup win this year, and Fourie is one of several Stormers players looking to gain valuable game time ahead of the new URC season.

The Stormers' campaign kicks off against defending champions Leinster at DHL Stadium on September 26.

Earlier this week, Fourie confirmed his recovery is on track and expressed his excitement at returning to action.

"I'm burning to get back onto the field," he said. "I'm not far off from returning. We're busy with our pre-season training, so we'll see how things go.

"There are Currie Cup matches this weekend and next, and hopefully I can play in one of them."

In 2022, Fourie became the oldest Springbok debutant of all time when he came off the bench against Wales in Bloemfontein at 35.

He quickly cemented his place in the Bok squad and played a pivotal role in South Africa's Rugby World Cup triumph, coming off the bench and playing 77 minutes of the final at hooker.

The 13-Test utility forward missed the entire 2024 international season due to a knee injury but was still invited to a Springbok alignment camp earlier this year.

On Saturday, Fourie will provide back-row cover for WP against the Pumas, with Cape coach Labeeb Levy looking forward to the clash in front of their home crowd.

"It has been four straight matches on the road from us and we can all clearly remember the fantastic support we got in our opening match at DHL Stadium," he said.

"The team is highly motivated to put in a good performance for our loyal supporters. We have been reinforced by a few experienced players, although we have also been hit with some injuries so we are aiming to put together an 80-minute performance and make the most of every moment out there."