Deon Fourie recalled by Springboks for four-Test series against All Blacks

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has recalled veteran utility forward Deon Fourie to the squad for the forthcoming Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, presented by Castle Double Malt, after the 39-year-old returned to top-level rugby following a lengthy injury absence.

Fourie will join the Springboks in Johannesburg on Tuesday morning as South Africa prepare to face New Zealand in the opening Test of the historic four-match series.

The versatile forward can play both loose forward and hooker, giving Erasmus another experienced option among his forwards. Fourie’s return adds further depth to a squad preparing for one of international rugby’s most significant rivalries.

His most recent Test appearance came in the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final against New Zealand at Stade de France in Paris. The Springboks won that match, and Fourie has now made his return to elite rugby with the DHL Stormers.

He featured in the DHL Stormers’ Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener against the All Blacks on Friday night, marking his comeback after his extended spell on the sidelines.

Fourie, a Rugby World Cup-winner, is expected to bring considerable experience to the Springboks squad as they begin the series at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August.

That fixture will be the first of four Tests between the sides in the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. The teams will meet again at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on 29 August before returning to Johannesburg for a match at FNB Stadium on 5 September.

The series will conclude in the United States, with the fourth Test scheduled for M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on 12 September.

The Springboks returned to South Africa from Argentina in two groups on Sunday and Monday. The final group of players is expected to arrive in Johannesburg on Tuesday, the same day Fourie is due to link up with the national squad.

His call-up comes as Erasmus continues to assemble his forward options for the encounters with New Zealand. Fourie’s ability to cover more than one position, combined with his experience of the highest level, provides the coach with additional flexibility ahead of the first Test.

The opening match at Ellis Park will begin a demanding month for both teams, with four fixtures scheduled across South Africa and the United States. It will also give Fourie the opportunity to continue his return to international rugby after his first competitive appearance for DHL Stormers since his injury lay-off.

Fourie’s last appearance in a Springboks shirt remains the 2023 World Cup Final, also against the All Blacks. His selection therefore brings him back into the national set-up for a series that begins with the same rivalry that featured in his previous Test.