Springboks recall Fourie for All Blacks series amid injury concerns

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has recalled veteran utility forward Deon Fourie to the national squad as he prepares for the upcoming "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" series against New Zealand, while also addressing injury concerns including captain Siya Kolisi. The announcement comes after the Springboks secured a 17-10 victory over Argentina in a one-off Test in Buenos Aires on August 9, 2026.

Erasmus confirmed that the expanded squad, currently around 40 players, will not be trimmed ahead of the four-Test series. "We don't want to trim the squad," Erasmus said. "New Zealand are touring with 44, so we would rather add more guys to the squad to get the numbers up to 44. So, nobody has to be cut." The first Test is scheduled for Ellis Park on August 22, 2026.

Fourie, the 39-year-old who plays both loose forward and hooker, was added to the squad on August 10, 2026. He only recently returned from a lengthy injury spell, playing for the Stormers in their tour match against the All Blacks on August 7, 2026. Fourie, a 2023 World Cup winner who played most of the final at hooker, last appeared for the Springboks in that tournament final. His addition provides cover in the loose forward...