Cape Town - Centre Jaque Fourie will be available for Springbok selection at this year’s Rugby World Cup after his Japanese club gave permission for his return to the international fold.
Fourie, 32, announced his retirement from international rugby last year, but has made an about-turn after discussions with Bok coach Heyneke Meyer.
Fourie plays for the Kobe Kobelco Steelers and the club has agreed to make him available for Springbok selection this year.
This was confirmed by outgoing Stormers coach Allister Coetzee on Wednesday.
Coetzee is set to depart the Stormers to coach the Steelers in Japan.
Meyer was also keen to include lock Andries Bekker, but the Steelers have decided not to release the tall lock.
“We have decided as a club that Andries Bekker will not be available for the World Cup, but when it comes to Jaque, we have granted him permission. He does want to play in another World Cup and be part of the Bok challenge,” Coetzee said on Wednesday.