The man who scored a crucial late try to deny the Lions victory in Pretoria could yet be persuaded to continue his career in South Africa.
Jaque Fourie crossed for the Boks’ third try of the game in the second Test at Loftus Versfeld to give the world champions hope of victory with just minutes remaining.
The replacement centre supplied a world-class finish before Morne Steyn completed the heartbreak for the Lions with a last-minute penalty.
Fourie, who has 42 international caps to his name, has been widely linked to a move to French side Clermont Auvergne, with South African supporters seemingly resigned to seeing him depart the Republic.
But the South African Rugby Union have now put a substantial offer in front of Fourie in an attempt to stop the 26-year-old from following Frans Steyn and Jean de Villiers in agreeing to move overseas.
Fourie’s agent, Peet van Zyl, has confirmed that SA Rugby have made his player a revised offer but that he and Fourie are waiting to see what terms the Golden Lions offer in their provincial contract.
The Johannesburg Rugby Union are apparently attempting to call on some corporate help to provide the necessary finances, although though some observers are suggesting the attempts will be in vain as they believe Clermont have already secured Fourie’s signature.
"The (Golden) Lions have already let Clermont know that they refuse to release Jaque,” Van Zyl told Super Sport.
”They want to come up with a counter offer and they are looking for additional financing to match what Jaque could earn at Clermont.
"It will ultimately still be Jaque’s decision if he stays or leaves. SA Rugby have already offered him a contract until after 2011.”
