Jaque Fourie
Centre Jaque Fourie has joined fellow World Cup winner Bakkies Botha in deciding to quit the international stage.
Fourie, on the Union Sports Group player management agency’s official website, confirmed that he will no longer be available for Springbok selection.
“After much consideration, with regards to my current career status, I have decided to not make myself available for any international matches,” Fourie said in a statement on the agency website.
“I have chosen to remain focused on continuing with my current club, Kobelco Steelers.
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“The decision to retire from the international stage was not an easy one, but I am looking forward to what the future holds for myself and my family.”
His decision follows the announcement by veteran lock Botha last Saturday that he will also no longer be available for Test selection, but will continue his career with French club Toulon.
Fourie left South Africa in 2011 to play in Japan.
A legend of the game and still regarded among the best outside centres in the world, injury curtailed his recall to the Springbok squad this year.
He achieved a tremendous amount in his career including Try of the Year in 2009 and 2010 respectively.
One of the biggest and most skilful backs in the time in the international arena, Fourie’s 28 Test tries at centre (in 58 Tests in this position) is the most by a Springbok in the midfield.
At the end of 2011, he had scored a total of 32 tries in 70 Tests, placing him third behind Joost van der Westhuizen and Bryan Habana on the all-time list.
Along with Jean de Villiers, he holds the Springbok record for the most Tests as a centre combination (29).
Fourie will continue with his current club, Kobelco Steelers.
I do not think this is bad for Springbok rugby at all.
Jaque has clearly opted for the Yen in favour of Springbok rugby, so whereas he was good and whereas outside centre is still not settled at the Springboks… it opens the doors now for someone, somewhere to shine in Super Rugby at outside centre!!
Well done on a great career for the springboks who can ever forget?
Another has-been doing the honorable thing.
Smart, why risk playing another year of potentially career ending hard test rugby while you can earn good money for a few more years playing in Japan?
@ kwas:
Now, ifonly somebody can convince Matfield to dolikewise. 😉
@ kwas:
Now, if only somebody can convince Matfield to do the same. He is not doing himself, or the Boks, any favours by playing anymore. 😉
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