Deon Fourie, 39, keeping 2027 Springbok World Cup dream alive

The veteran forward turns 40 on 25 September and will celebrate his birthday in Australia, where the Springboks will face the Wallabies in Perth.

Fourie endured a difficult period after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, battling a serious knee injury, broken tibia and torn bicep. The latter, suffered last October, left him questioning whether his career was over.

"It was very dark in my mind, that maybe it must be, and it has to be the end of my career," Fourie said.

However, his son Jamie helped convince him to continue.

"He sat with me in bed and said, 'Listen, this is not the end.' So yeah, that came up a few times, but I'm thankful to be able to work through everything."

Fourie had initially planned to play only another year or two after the 2023 World Cup, but an invitation to a Bok alignment camp reignited his motivation.

"That sparked a bit of fire in me to wear the green and gold again," he said.

After another injury, strong performances for the Stormers eventually earned him a Springbok recall. He became the oldest Springbok in history against the All Blacks and helped South Africa to a 3-1 Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series victory, making his 16th Test appearance in the process.

His versatility remains a key asset, with Fourie able to cover both hooker and flank.

"The versatility is definitely still there," he said. "The options are there for how I can contribute to the team."

Fourie says criticism has also fuelled his determination to continue proving himself.

"My motivation was just to get back onto the field and to showcase that I've still got some rugby in myself. All the criticism I get from people out there just puts fuel to the fire for me, to prove them wrong," said the man nicknamed 'Brannas'.

While his immediate focus remains on the next match, Fourie has not ruled out a remarkable appearance at the 2027 World Cup.

"I'm taking it game by game," he said. "There are still a lot of games to be played before the World Cup, but if the body holds up and I can still perform at the top level, then why not?"