Fourie comes out of Test retirement

Editor

Veteran outside centre Jacques Fourie has reversed his decision to retire from Test rugby so that he can be available for the Springbok World Cup campaign.

That was the word from outgoing Stormers coach Allister Coetzee, who takes over the coaching reins at Japanese club Kobe Kobelco Steelers where Fourie plays his club rugby.

Coetzee revealed that while the club had decided to make another former Stormers and Bok stalwart unavailable for the World Cup, Andries Bekker, they agreed to a request from Fourie.

“We have decided as a club that Andries Bekker will not be available for the World Cup, but when it comes to Jaque, we have granted him permission," he told Supersport 

"He does want to play in another World Cup and be part of the Bok challenge.” 

Fourie returned to the Test arena on the Boks' end-of-year tour in 2013 but suffered an injury setback in 2014 and announced his retirement because he doubted his ability to play at the highest level.

It is understood, however, that Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has been trying to convince Fourie to change his mind as there is a lack of quality outside centres available for South Africa to choose from.