Bok champ eyes derby return for Stormers

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Deon Fourie hopes to recover in time to feature for the DHL Stormers against the Sharks in Durban before the close of 2024.

The veteran forward went under the knife in early April after an ACL injury with the Stormers against La Rochelle in the Champions Cup.

The prognosis of a six-month layoff led to fears that the 37-year-old flanker would hang up his boots, but Fourie is optimistic about making a full recovery to return to action at Kings Park on 30 November.

Speaking to Netwerk24at a sponsors event this week, the Springbok world champion touched on his injury while giving his vote of confidence for the next generation of back-row bruisers breaking through for the Stormers.

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“My target for my return is the Vodacom URC match [against the Sharks]. But there is no rush. I will make sure that I am 100% ready before I play again," Fourie told Netwerk24. “I’ve never been out this long with an injury before.

“You grow as a person in the time you are on your own and want to return to show yourself that you can still do it. We’ll see when I return if the can is still there!

"I have been in the game for a long time and have seen many players with torn cruciate ligaments. It’s a serious injury and only takes a while. I knew it was going to take months of rehab. That’s the big thing – the time.

“So far everything is going well."

“There are many good young players who are making progress with the Stormers. It’s going to be a new challenge to compete with them, but I’m not a guy who backs down from challenges,” he added.

“Paul [de Villiers] performed excellently in the Currie Cup. I think we’re going to see more of him this season. Divan Fuller and Louw Nel also look good. Our young players are great."

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images

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