World Cup-winning centre Jaque Fourie has turned down a contract in the region of a R1 million a year from Western province to stay with the Johannesburg-based Golden Lions, says the Afrikaans Sunday newspaper Rapport.
Fourie, who has just returned to the Springbok set up following a lengthy absence as a result of elbow and groin injuries, told the paper that he was aware of the offer but was determined to see out the remaining year of his contract with his current side.
“I understand that Western Province are prepared to pay a big sum of money so that I can run out for them next year, but I am going to stay at the Lions, especially because I have not played a lot of rugby for them this season,” said the 25-year-old who is expected to play a big part in the Boks’ quest to win next year’s Test series against the British & Irish Lions.
Any potential move to Western Province would have seen Fourie line up alongside Jean de Villiers in midfield, a partnership that could be repeated when South Africa take on Argentina this Saturday.
