Cape Town - Springbok centre Jaque Fourie is targeting a return to South Africa in 2015 to compete for a place in the World Cup squad.
Fourie, 29, last played for the Springboks at last year’s World Cup in New Zealand before heading off to Japan where he had a short stint with the Wild Knights, before signing for the Steelers for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons.
In April this year he announced that while he plays his rugby in Japan he won’t be available for the Springboks.
On Tuesday he told the Keo.co.za website that he wants to be based in Japan for another three years before returning to South Africa.
"Everyone goes to Europe. I wanted to do something different... something that didn’t revolve around rugby alone," he said.
"But I plan on coming back to South Africa for the 2015 season to contend for a place in the Springbok team for the next World Cup.
"I haven’t made myself available for the Boks during the two seasons I’ll spend at the Steelers because I want to give my full commitment to the club."
Fourie has represented South Africa in 69-Tests, scoring 32 tries.
Fourie, 29, last played for the Springboks at last year’s World Cup in New Zealand before heading off to Japan where he had a short stint with the Wild Knights, before signing for the Steelers for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons.
In April this year he announced that while he plays his rugby in Japan he won’t be available for the Springboks.
On Tuesday he told the Keo.co.za website that he wants to be based in Japan for another three years before returning to South Africa.
"Everyone goes to Europe. I wanted to do something different... something that didn’t revolve around rugby alone," he said.
"But I plan on coming back to South Africa for the 2015 season to contend for a place in the Springbok team for the next World Cup.
"I haven’t made myself available for the Boks during the two seasons I’ll spend at the Steelers because I want to give my full commitment to the club."
Fourie has represented South Africa in 69-Tests, scoring 32 tries.