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Cape Town - Former Rugby World Cup winner Jaque Fourie has called time on his professional career for the second time after a series of niggles prevented him from featuring for Western Force.
The 35-year-old garnered 72 caps for South Africa and was a crucial part of the 2007 side which claimed the World Cup after defeating England 15-6 in the final in Paris.
Fourie’s impact was also decisive in 2009 when the Springboks overcame the British and Irish Lions 2-1 before the centre enjoyed a five-year stint in Japan with Kobelco Steelers from 2012 to 2017.
After leaving the Steelers, the midfielder announced his retirement from rugby but a year later he made a U-turn by taking on a dual role with the Force in Australia.
Despite intending to return to the field, coach Tim Sampson insists that injuries have prevented Fourie from featuring in the side.
“Jaque initially had the intent to play but not long after arriving he had a couple of niggles and just made a decision to call time on his career,” Sampson told the rugby.com.au website.
“It would've been great to get some game time out of him but he certainly fills in a lot at training and likes to think he's still got it but he's slowly beginning to be shown up by the lads.”
Fourie has been coaching the defence this season and Sampson says that the former centre has been having an impact in that role.
“He loves it, he's a guy that gives us a lot of energy and, if you look at his playing days, he was a key link man for the Springboks in that position as a defence captain in the backline and the guys really respond to Jaque,” he added.
