Deon Fourie injury adds to Springbok concerns

Springbok veteran Deon Fourie has emerged as another injury concern ahead of South Africa’s November Nations Championship fixtures after suffering a hamstring problem while playing for the Stormers.

The setback comes as Rassie Erasmus prepares to name his squad for Tests against Italy, France and Ireland, with several senior players either ruled out or carrying injuries.

Fourie facing spell on sidelines

Fourie suffered the hamstring injury during the Stormers’ 52-40 URC victory over the Scarlets and has already been ruled out of Saturday’s meeting with Ulster.

Stormers assistant coach Labeeb Levy said hamstring injuries of this nature commonly require between four and six weeks of recovery, although Fourie will be reassessed as his rehabilitation progresses.

Levy also confirmed that surgery is not considered necessary and that Fourie will instead undergo conservative treatment and rehabilitation.

“He’s not playing this weekend, that we can guarantee,” said Levy.

“The hamstring is a tricky one. It’s normally four to six weeks, sometimes longer.

“From what I remember of the medical report, an operation wasn’t necessary, which is good, but obviously it needs conservative management and treatment as well as going through all the various rehab protocols.

“But he’s definitely not playing this weekend … and then the re-evaluation process will just take its course.”

The timing places Fourie’s availability for the Springboks’ November programme in serious doubt.

Springbok injury list continues to grow

Erasmus is already dealing with several injury concerns ahead of the end-of-year Tests.

Cheslin Kolbe has been ruled out while recovering from a broken jaw, while RG Snyman and Kwagga Smith remain unavailable with long-term knee injuries.

Andre Esterhuizen requires surgery after suffering an ankle injury, while Handre Pollard is being assessed after sustaining a hamstring problem with the Bulls.

Eben Etzebeth is also recovering from a lower-limb injury and his availability remains uncertain.

Fourie’s injury further reduces South Africa’s options at hooker, with Malcolm Marx and Johan Grobbelaar among the established specialist choices available to Erasmus.