Thursday Round-Up

Fourie calls time: World Cup winning centre Jaque Fourie has called time on his international career today, with his eyes firmly fixed on prolonging his current career on the domestic rugby scene in Japan. Having made the decision to join the mass exodus of players headed for Japan following the close of the 2011 World Cup, Fourie made his final appearance for the Springboks in 2013, helping South Africa to their first victory in France for 15 years. Making his debut in 2003 during the Rugby World Cup win over Uruguay, Fourie went on to be capped on 73 occasions, crossing the whitewash on 32 occasions, earning him the accolade of the third highest try scorer in South African history. Despite being linked with a move back to South African rugby and a stint with the Sharks in Super Rugby, Fourie poured cold water on such a deal and it now seems as though the 31 year old will see out his days in Japan.

Sarries line up playmaker: According to reports emanating out of New Zealand rugby circles, former Blues flyhalf Baden Kerr has put pen to paper on a deal with English Premiership outfit Saracens. 25 year old Kerr has struggled for form in recent years with Sir John Kirwan’s Blues side and hopes the fresh start in English rugby will aid his professional and personal development. If the reports are to be believed, upon arrival in England, Kerr will go on loan to Championship outfit the Bedford Blues for a six month period, before returning to Sarries to begin his stint at Allianz Park. The ex-Blues playmaker has agreed terms with the Aviva Premiership outfit on a one year deal and intends on returning to New Zealand shores in 2016.

Ryan Sheady