Springbok and Stormers utility forward Deon Fourie has had a tough couple of years, plagued by injuries. Many thought his career might be over after he suffered an ACL injury in April last year, followed by a torn bicep.
Fourie, now 39, faced another long recovery period, but he managed to fight his way back into the Stormers set up. However, his comeback was short-lived, as he suffered another serious injury in the Stormers’ last URC game. He was caught awkwardly in a croc roll at the breakdown by Ulster lock Iain Henderson.
Deon Fourie’s Career Prospects Look Bleak
Stormers coach Dobson said the injury is a grade two or three medial, which could keep Fourie out for months. “It’s not like an ACL and nine months, but it could be three months,” he added.
With Fourie turning 40 later this year, it remains to be seen if he will make another comeback. His coach feels sorry for him, saying “I feel very sorry for Deon Fourie. That type of action has to be removed from the game.” Dobson believes the game would become like rugby league if such actions are not removed.
Injury Fallout and Disciplinary Action
Dobson acknowledged that the player who caused the injury, Iain Henderson, probably did not mean to injure Fourie deliberately. The referee’s decision was likely correct, but the injury is still a big blow to the team, especially given Fourie’s current form.
Iain Henderson appeared in front of an Independent Disciplinary Committee, comprising Roddy MacLeod (Chair), Alasdair Craig and Jonathan Rennie (all Scotland), and accepted that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card. The Committee deemed the act reckless and merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks for sanctioning.
After applying mitigation, considering Henderson’s previous good record, remorse, and good conduct, the Committee reduced the suspension to three weeks. The matches Henderson will miss depend on Ulster’s progress in the playoff rounds of the United Rugby Championship.
