One of the South African heroes from the summer series against the Lions is relishing a new lease of life in his homeland.
Jaque Fourie scored the crucial late try in the Boks’ nail-biting second-Test victory at Loftus Versfeld, breaking Lions hearts in the process.
Until this season, the 26-year-old centre had been playing Super 14 rugby with the Golden Lions but he has now swapped Johannesburg for Cape Town with a move to the Stormers.
Fourie had previously been linked with a move to Europe following his match-winning exploits against Ian McGeechan’s tourists but he says he is loving the new challenge with South Africa’s third-ranked franchise.
"The first couple of days have been really good," said Fourie following his move to Newlands.
"The facilities are great and there is really a good vibe in the team.
"I feel at home here, because I have played a lot of rugby with Schalk (Burger) and Bryan (Habana). It makes it a lot easier to settle.
"I am looking forward to the season and hopefully I can stay injury-free."
Fourie has been joined at the Stormers by another World Cup winner to play a leading role in the series win over the Lions.
Former IRB World Player of the Year Bryan Habana has left Super 14 Champions the Bulls for a new challenge and coach Alistair Coetzee is hopeful that the pair which have a positive impact on the rest of his squad when the new season gets underway next month.
"With their experience, they will obviously provide captain Schalk Burger with good support," said Coetzee.
"I categorise them as world-class players. The important thing is they’re not seen as individuals, but in the team context, because that’s where their contribution will be seen.
"They’ve already been in big competitions, they know how to function under pressure, and they’ll help the team to handle pressure-situations.
"Our policy is the team comes first and I think it’s important we continue building on that principle."
