DHL Stormers prop Neethling Fouche is delighted to be included in the next Springbok alignment camp, but says “a lot of hard work lies ahead” to make the national team.
He is one of a quintet of Stormers among the 16 uncapped players on the 43-strong list that will be attending the first of three Bok strategic sessions for the 2024 season, in Cape Town in the first week of March.
Fouche’s impact in the Stormers pack and commitment has been outstanding this season, complementing his scrummaging and ball-carrying skills with a strong work ethic and astute leadership.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Netwerk24, the 31-year-old reflected on his path to the Bok setup while recognising the alignment camp as a preliminary stage en route to higher honours.
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“All these years, it’s still been a dream of mine to become part of a Springbok group,” Fouche told Netwerk24.
“My path is a little different and I have been paying school fees for several years, working hard and staying patient. I was often injured in my junior years. At times, it felt as if the Boks would not have me.
“I realise that this is only an alignment camp and that the group will be cut going forward, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.”
He joins a formidable group of tighthead props, including teammate Frans Malherbe, double world champion Vincent Koch and 14-Test Wilco Louw.
While aware of the competition, Fouche remains optimistic about a potential Bok debut, remarking, “A lot of hard work lies ahead to become part of the Bok group in the future.”
Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix
The post Fouche: Bok camp a ‘step in the right direction’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
