Deon Fourie's wife has praised her spouse, who made history as the oldest playing Springbok in a test match...
Deon Fourie, South Africa’s oldest-playing Springbok, has been praised by his wife for the humility and tenacity he has shown throughout his rugby career.
The 39-year-old was named in the starting line-up in the squad’s clash against the All Blacks at Ellis Park over the weekend.
South Africa beat their Greatest Rivalry opponents 33-26.
In a touching tribute posted on her Instagram account, Deon Fourie’s wife, Jean-Marie, praised her husband, who has made history as the Springboks’ oldest player.
She shared about her spouse: “You’ve never been one for records or attention. You always shy away from the limelight. Yet you keep on setting new heights, raising standards and silencing critics. Quietly claiming your place in the history books.
She continued: “You can be so proud. We are so proud! You are and always will be our biggest hero”.
On Saturday, 29 August, Deon Fourie made history as the oldest man to represent the Springboks in a test match.
Deon Fourie will turn 40 years old in just a few weeks. In 2022, he became the oldest Springbok to make his debut at the age of 35. He was part of the squad that won the Rugby World Cup in France in 2023.
The Pretoria-born player was hailed as a rugby hero for his instrumental performances, which helped the squad win back-to-back titles.
In the final between the Boks and New Zealand’s All Blacks, Fourie substituted an injured Bongi Mbonambi and played for a grand total of 77 minutes!
Ahead of his historical performance over the weekend, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi said of Fourie: “Brannas – we call him Grandpa now! We’re very happy for him as a group. He’s shown that age is nothing but a number.
“He’s got the hunger and the fight in him, and the guys believe in him.”
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