Fit-again Stormers veteran Deon Fourie says he’s ready to embrace the pain of a north-south derby at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Fourie is set to be included in the Stormers’ match 23 for the Vodacom URC clash in Pretoria, marking his latest comeback after a frustrating run of injuries over the past two seasons.
The 39-year-old admits the physical challenge of returning to rugby is never easy, but insists pushing through that barrier is part of what makes the sport special.
“It’s going to hurt, it’s going to be sore,” Fourie told the media in Cape Town on Wednesday. “That’s why we play rugby. That’s why we love it.”
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Despite approaching his 40th birthday in September, the 13-Test Springbok says he feels refreshed after spending so much time on the sidelines.
Fourie’s series of injuries includes an ACL tear in April 2024, a tibia fracture in April 2025 and a torn bicep suffered against the Scarlets last October.
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Now back in contention, Fourie says the key is trusting the body once the first collisions arrive.
“The first contact will wipe away the cobwebs and then you get into it,” he said.
Making his return in a traditional north-south derby adds an extra layer of motivation for the experienced loose forward.
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“Given the history and the many times I played against the Bulls, it is a great game to come back in,” Fourie said. “It gets the best out of everyone.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
