Stormers stalwart Deon Fourie admits his remarkable rugby journey may be nearing its end.

Stormers stalwart Deon Fourie admits his remarkable rugby journey may be nearing its end

The 39-year-old is currently undergoing rehabilitation after surgery to repair a torn bicep. Speaking to reporters just 10 days after an operation to reattach the muscle to the bone, the veteran Springbok revealed he is still coming to terms with what happened.

“I’m working through the seven stages of grief,” Fourie said with a wry smile. “I’m still processing what has happened.”

Fourie was attending the launch of campaign in Joburg when he reflected candidly on a season that has tested both his body and spirit.

At the beginning of the year, I was at the Bok alignment camp, then a few weeks after that I broke my ankle,” he explained.

That was a big blow because I thought I could bring myself into the Springbok mix and maybe get another Test.”

Now, with his bicep freshly repaired, Fourie says he’ll make a call on his future once he’s deeper into rehabilitation.

“We will see how long this takes,” he said, gently tapping his sling.

“I’ve just had the operation. Jean de Villiers had the same injury during the 2007 World Cup – he got through it and played a few more years afterward.

“Emotionally, I have been up and down regarding my future. Maybe I must start listening to the signs. We will see. When rehab starts at the Stormers and I start seeing the guys, maybe the fire will start burning again.”