Deon Fourie: SA Rugby Star’s Wife Joins Siya Kolisi in Hailing Springbok Veteran After Historic Feat
- Jean-Marie Fourie posted a heartfelt tribute to her husband Deon after he made history as the Springboks' oldest test player
- The 39-year-old started for South Africa in the Springboks' 33-26 victory over the All Blacks at Ellis Park on 29 August
- Springbok captain Siya Kolisi weighed in on Fourie's milestone, revealing the squad's nickname for the veteran flanker
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The wife of Deon Fourie has broken her silence with an emotional public tribute after the 39-year-old cemented his place in rugby history as the oldest player to represent the Springboks in a test match.
Jean-Marie Fourie posted the tribute on her Instagram account following her husband's appearance in South Africa's 33-26 victory over the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday, 29 August.
Jean-Marie's Tribute to Deon Fourie
In her post, Jean-Marie reflected on her husband's understated approach to a career that has quietly rewritten the record books.
"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 wrote.
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She added: "You can be so proud. We are so proud! You are and always will be our biggest hero."
Fourie, who was born in Pretoria, is set to turn 40 in the coming weeks. He first represented the Springboks in 2022, becoming the oldest debutant in the team's history at the age of 35. He was part of the squad that claimed the Rugby World Cup title in France in 2023, contributing to a historic back-to-back championship run.
**Kolisi Calls Fourie "Grandpa"
His performance at Ellis Park drew praise from within the camp as well. Springbok captain Siya Kolisi spoke ahead of the test match about what Fourie brings to the squad.
"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," Kolisi said.
"He's got the hunger and the fight in him, and the guys believe in him."
Fourie's connection to the All Blacks runs deep. During the 2023 Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand, he came on as a substitute for the injured Bongi Mbonambi and went on to play 77 minutes of the match.
His latest milestone adds another chapter to one of South African rugby's most improbable careers.
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Source: Briefly News
