England International Hendre Fourie signs two-year deal with Sale Sharks – Rugby news
South African born England international, Hendre Fourie, has signed a two-year deal with the Premiership side, Sales Sharks. Sharks officials confirmed the signing of the former Leeds Carnegie flanker on the Club’s website on
Friday, May 27.
This is a major loss for the Leeds Carnegie and the departure of the key player will have an adverse effect on Leeds chances of making a comeback to the Premiership. Saints defeated Carnegie in their last match of the 2010/11
season to deliver premiership relegation.
Born in Burgersdorp, South Africa, Fourie represented Shimlas, Maties and Super Rugby franchise Cheetahs. He moved to England in 2005 and made his professional/senior rugby club debut for Yorkshire based Rotherham Titans. He
made 52 appearances for the Titans and scored 65 points.
The 31-year-old Fourie joined Leeds Carnegie at the start of the 2007/08 season. In the last three seasons, he has made 43 appearances and scored 35 points with all points coming from tries. Fourie was exceptional in the Leeds
last season in which he played 17 games and scored 20 points at very crucial periods. However, his efforts could not save their team from the premiership drop-zone.
His exceptional performance, skills and abilities earned him a reputation a top-class flanker all across England. In 2010, he earned a call into the England Saxons side followed by call in Martin Johnson’s England Seniors squad
in November.
He made his international debut for England in 2010, just five years after he moved to the country against the visiting All Blacks at Twickenham. Earlier this year he has represented England in the 2011 RBS Six Nations tournament.
Sale Sharks Executive Director of Sport, Steve Diamond has expressed satisfaction on signing the English international flanker for two years. He said, “Hendre has been chased and courted by several Premiership clubs but we are very pleased he has chosen
Sale Sharks.” Steve thanked Leeds Carnegie management for performing Fourie’s transfer to the Sharks in a very smooth manner. He said, “We would like to thank Leeds Carnegie for their help in the transfer of Hendre.”
Steve has praised the Fourie’s on field performance, particularly praised his work ethic, and termed them to be “second to none”. He further added the addition of Fourie to the squad will strengthen the Sharks chances of making it to the play-offs next season.
Steve also expressed his hopes that the young flankers and back row players will benefit greatly from the Fourie’s stay at the Club.
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