Springbok and Western Province centre Jaque Fourie has announced that he will be joining Japanese club Panasonic Wild Knights.
The 28-year-old will join the team from November 1 till the end of the Japanese season, which leaves the door open for him to return and join Super Rugby franchise, the Stormers, next year.
The three times World Cup veteran has played a huge part in any team he has been involved with and is looking forward to having this experience as part of his illustrious career.
Fourie joins Stormers teammate Peter Grant in Japan, as the flyhalf is currently enjoying his second season with the Kobe Steelers, but it is still unknown if he will return to play Super Rugby – as he did in 2011.
There are also two other World Cup Springboks heading to Japan, as Fourie du Preez and Danie Roussow have signed deals to make their move from the Bulls.
The Stormers could now find themselves short of stocks in the midfield, with Jean de Villiers and Juan de Jongh the only recognised players available from the start of 2012. Exciting youngster Johann Sadie has been signed by the Bulls, while Tim Whiitehead’s future is still uncertain with rumours linking him to the Sharks.