Why Fourie said no to Boks

Jaque Fourie has turned down the opportunity to play for the Springboks whilst contracted to Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers as he would like to focus on performing for the Japanese club.

The 69-Test outside centre was one of a number of overseas stars that new Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer was hoping to lure back to represent the national team, but Fourie moved quickly to clarify his position in a press release on the unionsportsmag website.

The statement said: "In light of recent speculation linking me with a return to international rugby with the Springboks I would like to clarify my position. I have immense pride and amazing memories of my time as a Springbok representing South Africa.

"After the RWC I decided to a pursue a new chapter in my rugby life and I want to give the same commitment I gave the Boks to my new team Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers, therefore I will not be making myself available for Springbok selection whilst contracted to Kobe.

"South Africa has some incredibly talented centres at their disposal and it is their time now. I will of course be watching from afar and would like to wish the new Springbok coaching team and the players all the best for the upcoming international matches," said Fourie.

This means that although he could be available for the Springboks in the future, he is effectively ruled out for the duration of his current two-year contract with the Steelers.

The former Lions and Stormers midfielder is the latest experienced star to make himself unavailable to Meyer after Butch James called time on his Springbok career earlier in the week, which will come as a blow to the Bok mentor who has made no secret of his intention to make use of the old guard.

It remains to be seen whether players like Fourie du Preez, Danie Rossouw, Bakkies Botha and Gurthro Steenkamp can be persuaded to resume their international careers, while the speculation regarding the return of Victor Matfield from retirement continues.