Springbok Hero's Career in Jeopardy After Devastating Injury Blow

04/20/2025 06:23 AM

It should never be forgotten just how vital Deon Fourie was to the Springboks' 2023 Rugby World Cup success.

Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia

Thrust into the role of back-up hooker behind Bongi Mbonambi, the versatile forward delivered when it mattered most – playing a key role in South Africa's journey to back-to-back world titles.

The fightback that inspired a nation

Just months later, Fourie's future was thrown into doubt after he sustained a serious knee injury while playing for the Stormers. At 37, many assumed it would mark the end of his remarkable career.

But Fourie had other ideas.

He battled his way back to fitness, refusing to let injury dictate his final chapter. His message was clear: he wasn't going to retire watching from the stands.

Another cruel twist

However, his comeback story has taken a devastating turn.

During the Stormers' 34-29 United Rugby Championship win over Connacht at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, the veteran forward is believed to have suffered a broken tibia – with early signs pointing towards a long-term layoff.

With Fourie set to turn 39 in September, there are growing concerns this injury could finally bring down the curtain on one of South African rugby's most determined careers.

Dobson provides sombre update

Speaking after the match, Stormers head coach John Dobson didn't sugar-coat the situation.

"That's a very serious injury, by the looks of things," he said. "It looks like a broken tibia. We haven't scanned or x-rayed him yet… but Keke (Morabe) was out for close to a year with that.

"You'd have to do the maths and realise we're probably at a crossroads (for his career), which I hope is not the case. Often with those things, it depends on the nature of the break."

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5 Big-Name Stars Set to Miss Out on the Lions Squad – Including Finn Russell!

With the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad announcement just around the corner, the rumour mill is already in overdrive. Andy Farrell's selection promises to be one of the boldest in recent history—and not everyone is safe.

While some players have all but booked their tickets to Australia, others are sweating bullets. Whether it's poor form, fierce competition, or a coach with long memories, a few major names could be on the chopping block.

Here are five shock omissions we think are on the cards—and why their Lions dreams might be dead before the squad is even named…

1. Russell’s Rollercoaster Could Crash Early

Finn Russell (Scotland)

Moments of magic? Always. But consistency? Not so much. Russell's 2025 Six Nations was a mixed bag at best. A missed conversion against England and a disastrous showing versus France have left serious questions about his big-game temperament.

Add in the appointment of Johnny Sexton as Lions assistant coach, and things start looking bleak. In his autobiography, Sexton slammed Russell's 2021 selection as a media-driven hype job—and he hasn't softened since.

"If you want someone reliable in the trenches, you go with Owen Farrell," Sexton recently told The Times, taking a not-so-subtle dig at Russell's "flashy" style. He even spared Marcus Smith, calling him a "generational talent." Finn? Not so lucky.

2. Ringrose Running Out of Time

Garry Ringrose (Ireland)

Not long ago, Ringrose looked like a nailed-on Lion. But a rocky Six Nations campaign could have sunk his chances. He was solid in Ireland's first couple of games, then saw red against Wales and missed the crunch clash with France. His return against Italy? Ropey.

He's still a classy operator on his day, but with Farrell spoiled for choice in the midfield, Ringrose may find himself edged out by younger, more in-form options.

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