Deon Fourie could break remarkable Springbok record
· The South African
Back in 2022, Deon Fourie became the oldest player to debut for the Springboks. At 35 years, nine months, and 14 days old, he came off the bench as Springbok #926 against Wales at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on 9 July.
Not long before that, Fourie had given up any thoughts of playing for the Springboks, and yet through sheer weight of performances for the Stormers, he earned a long-awaited call-up.
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After making his Test debut, Fourie went on to feature in 13 games for the Springboks, which included playing a crucial role in the 2023 World Cup final against the All Blacks, when he came off the bench to play hooker for 77 minutes.
However, the veteran forward has suffered a variety of injuries since then, and openly admitted at one point that he may need to listen to his body and consider retirement.
In typical fashion, though, Fourie – who turns 40 on 25 September – has fought his way back, and duly produced an outstanding performance in the Stormers’ clash against the All Blacks in their tour opener last Friday.
Deon Fourie now stands on the verge of a remarkable Springbok record
With Siya Kolisi battling a hamstring injury, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus recently called Fourie back up to the national squad for the forthcoming Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
If he manages to get back onto the field for the Springboks, Fourie will become the oldest ever player to feature for the national side, by quite some distance.
Currently, that record his held by Victor Matfield, who featured for the Springboks on 30 October 2025 at the age of 38 years and 172 days.
Fourie’s experience and leadership may be seen as the perfect resource to have in reserve if there is doubt over Kolisi, although Paul de Villiers and Marco van Staden offer more direct back-up at openside flank.
High praise for Fourie
Following last Friday’s clash between the All Blacks and Stormers, director of rugby John Dobson lauded Fourie’s efforts.
“An incredible performance … for a guy who’s again coming back from a serious injury.
“He’s almost 40. He made three tackles in 15 seconds, and two of them were try-saving.
“Deon is remarkable.”
Since the 2023 World Cup, Fourie has suffered a serious knee injury, an ankle issue, a serious bicep injury and most recently knee ligament damage, and yet he has refused to allow this to bring an end to a remarkable career.