Fourie available for Boks again

Former Bok centre Jaque Fourie could play in Tests again after penning a deal with his club which allows him to play for South Africa.

Former Bok centre Jaque Fourie could play in Tests again after penning a new deal with his Japanese club which allows him to play for South Africa.

Fourie has extended his contract with Kobelco Steelers which includes a clause that would make it possible for him to turn out for the Springboks again.

The 30-year-old, who made himself unavailable for Springbok selection after joining the Steelers in 2012, is highly rated by Bok boss Heyneke Meyer and although he is unlikely to feature in the squad for the November tour, he could be playing for the Boks again in 2014 thanks to the clause in his contract.

It appears that Fourie has set his sights on playing in a fourth Rugby World Cup in 2015.

“I have signed another two-year contract that will see me through to 2016,” Fourie told Kyodo News.

“But there is an option that allows me, if selected, to go back and play for my country.”

Fourie revealed that he has had discussions with his club about a possible return for the Boks.

“I made sure the club was 100 per cent behind my decision and they were very happy to agree,” he said.

“So come next year if all goes well I will be playing Test-match rugby. The World Cup in 2015 would be my fourth and I set myself a goal of playing in it when I came here.

“It's a goal I am working towards and I want to be in the best possible condition.”

Fourie, who has also played at full-back and wing in his 69 Tests for South Africa, praised the Japanese system for giving him a new lease on his career.

“My goal when I came here was to prolong my career and give myself another two or three seasons,” he added.

“We play 20 to 25 games a year here not 40. So it's much easier to keep your body fresh as Fourie (du Preez) and George (Smith) proved.

“I aim to be in the best possible condition of my life come 2015.”