Springbok veteran Deon Fourie has received a touching tribute from his wife after making history in South Africa’s victory over the All Blacks.
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Fourie, who turns 40 in September, became the oldest player ever to represent the Springboks in a Test match when he ran out against New Zealand in Cape Town.
The versatile forward was 39 years and 338 days old, surpassing the previous record held by legendary lock Victor Matfield, who made his final Springbok appearance aged 38 years and 172 days.
South Africa made the occasion even more memorable by securing a 33-26 victory over the All Blacks.
But Fourie’s wife, Jean-Marie, suggested the milestone was less about the record and more about the character that has carried her husband through his remarkable career.
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Sharing a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, she wrote:
“You’ve never been one for records or attention. You always shy away from the limelight.
“Yet you keep on setting new heights, raising standards and silencing critics. Quietly claiming your place in the history books.
“Tonight you can be so proud. We are so proud! You are and always will be our biggest hero.”
From late bloomer to Springbok history-maker
Fourie’s rise to international rugby came remarkably late.
He made his Springbok debut in 2022 at the age of 35, becoming the oldest player to debut for South Africa.
Just a year later, Fourie was part of the Springboks squad that lifted the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
His biggest contribution came in the final against New Zealand, when an early injury to Bongi Mbonambi forced Fourie to play almost the entire match at hooker as South Africa secured a dramatic 12-11 victory.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Fourie’s Springbok career is unusual even by the standards of international rugby.
- Despite beginning his senior career in the mid-2000s and enjoying spells in South Africa and France, he had to wait until 35 to earn his first Test cap.
- His performances after returning to the Stormers eventually forced him into the Springbok conversation, with his versatility proving particularly valuable.
- Fourie can operate across the back row and at hooker, something that became crucial during South Africa’s successful 2023 World Cup campaign.
- His appearance in the final was particularly remarkable. After Mbonambi was forced off in the opening minutes, Fourie was suddenly tasked with playing virtually an entire World Cup final at hooker.
- He helped the Springboks survive a brutal contest and secure their record fourth Webb Ellis Cup.
Now approaching his 40th birthday, Fourie has completed a remarkable double – becoming both the oldest player to make his Springbok debut and the oldest player ever to represent South Africa.
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The new Springbok captain, however, has been in a stable relationship with Hope Mortimer since 2018.
Mortimer, a chartered accountant, has been a steady presence in Kriel’s life, often spotted supporting him on and off the field.
According to HollywoodsMagazine, the 30-year-old Mortimer is currently the head of collaborations at House of Macadamias, a South African company that produces and sells macadamia products. She has been in this role since January 2023.
Prior to this, Mortimer was a chartered accountant with experience in South Africa and the UK.
While details about how Kriel and Mortimer met remain private, their relationship has grown over the years, with the couple occasionally sharing glimpses of their life on social media.
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Scrum-half Faf de Klerk has been cheered on during the World Cup by his wife, Mine. The couple met through mutual friends in 2015 and married in October 2022 at La Paris Estate in Franschhoek.
Mine, a pharmacist, reunited with Faf for their wedding anniversary earlier this month in France, sharing a photo on Instagram with the caption ‘Back together.’
The couple celebrated Faf’s 32nd birthday after the quarter-final win over France, marking another milestone during the tournament.
