Fourie on his way to Europe?

Hendrik Cronje

Bloemfontein - Springbok centre Jaque Fourie is being courted by a number of top club sides in England and France.

SA Rugby and the Lions are busy with a joint effort to prevent another of South Africa’s top players from heading overseas.

Fourie’s links with French club Clermont have resurfaced again. The offer for Fourie is to join them after this year’s Currie Cup until the end of 2010.

He can then return to South Africa in 2011 to qualify for the World Cup. Fourie and his agent, Peet van Zyl, have already discussed the French and other overseas offers with the Lions.

“The Lions have indicated they will make us an offer before the end of May,” said Van Zyl. Fourie is still contracted until the end of next year, but according to Van Zyl has an escape clause that can ensure his immediate release.

“Jaque’s main goal is to play for South Africa. He would love to play against the Lions. He is also still young enough to represent South Africa at the 2011 World Cup. He is also close to the mark of 50 tests for South Africa,” said Van Zyl.

They are not expecting the same salary as Fourie would earn in Europe. However, the Lions will have to make it worth his while to stay.

Fourie would like to see the Lions lure more top players to Johannesburg. He wants the Lions to win more regularly, which will not happen without acquisitions.