{
  "id": 468296,
  "title": "Veteran World Cup winner Deon Fourie drafted into Springbok squad",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/veteran-world-cup-winner-deon-fourie-drafted-into-springbok-squad",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-10T12:38:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/deon-fourie-drafted-springbok-squad/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Veteran Springbok forward Deon Fourie has been added to the national squad for the upcoming Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks. The 39-year-old utility forward, who can also play as a loose forward and hooker, returned from a serious knee injury sustained during a match against Ulster in May. After proving his fitness with a standout performance in his comeback match against the All Blacks during the RGR tour in Cape Town, Fourie has earned a place in the squad. His last appearance for the Springboks was in the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final against New Zealand, where he stepped in for a third-minute injury to hooker Bongi Mbonambi and contributed to the team's victory. The RGR series, which includes four Tests, will commence on Saturday at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, followed by matches in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Baltimore.",
  "summary": "Deon Fourie is back in the Springbok squad and could be in line to make his first appearance for them almost three years after his last game.",
  "key_points": [
    "Veteran Springbok Deon Fourie added to national squad.",
    "39-year-old utility forward returns from knee injury.",
    "Last played for Springboks in 2023 World Cup Final."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Deon Fourie's inclusion in the Springbok squad for the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series bolsters the team's forward options, particularly given his versatility and recent form after returning from injury.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}