Cape Town - Stormers coach Allister Coetzee says versatile forward Deon Fourie is likely to continue in his dual role at the franchise in future.
Fourie has turned out at flank for the Cape side in recent games, and it was also in that position that he led Western Province to Currie Cup glory last year.
Fourie started this year's Super Rugby season in the No 2 jersey but has since been alternating between hooker and flank for most of the campaign as the Stormers have again been hit hard by injuries.
Coetzee, in an interview with the Rugby365 website, said it's a nice luxury to have such a versatile player amongst his ranks, admitting that it's tough to say in what position Fourie's long-term future lies.
"He's a team man through and through. He doesn't mind where he plays. He's always said it's about where he's needed in the team, in the best interests of the team.
"In any team, if you have a loose forward who can throw the ball in (to the lineout) it's an added bonus. I don't think Deon will ever not play two again, so it's good to have a player like that.
"Deon's got pace, he's good on the ground and he plays towards the ball, so it comes naturally as an opensider. He plays as an opensider at hooker too and it's well known that a hooker should be a fourth loose forward, so he does it naturally."
The Stormers face the Kings in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, with Fourie expected to be picked at flank - where he did duty in their 28-3 win over the Cheetahs at Newlands last week.
Fourie has turned out at flank for the Cape side in recent games, and it was also in that position that he led Western Province to Currie Cup glory last year.
Fourie started this year's Super Rugby season in the No 2 jersey but has since been alternating between hooker and flank for most of the campaign as the Stormers have again been hit hard by injuries.
Coetzee, in an interview with the Rugby365 website, said it's a nice luxury to have such a versatile player amongst his ranks, admitting that it's tough to say in what position Fourie's long-term future lies.
"He's a team man through and through. He doesn't mind where he plays. He's always said it's about where he's needed in the team, in the best interests of the team.
"In any team, if you have a loose forward who can throw the ball in (to the lineout) it's an added bonus. I don't think Deon will ever not play two again, so it's good to have a player like that.
"Deon's got pace, he's good on the ground and he plays towards the ball, so it comes naturally as an opensider. He plays as an opensider at hooker too and it's well known that a hooker should be a fourth loose forward, so he does it naturally."
The Stormers face the Kings in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, with Fourie expected to be picked at flank - where he did duty in their 28-3 win over the Cheetahs at Newlands last week.