A product of Nelspruit High School, Jean-Claude Fourie first represented the Mpumalanga Pumas in the U19 Currie Cup for two seasons whilst still a schoolboy. Physical and abrasive in contact, it was Fourie’s speed and skillset that saw him awarded the Player of the Tournament honour at the prestigious Atlantic Sevens. It came as no surprise that Jean-Claude was recruited by the Free State Cheetahs, and he quickly established himself as an uncompromising back rower in the U19 Currie Cup. After helping the Central University of Technology lift the Varsity Shield, Fourie spent a season with the Cheetahs in the U21 Currie Cup, before seeking a fresh challenge in France.

He signed with Stade Niortais ahead of the 2016/17 Fédérale 2 season, once again lifting silverware and helping the club win promotion. His ability to disrupt the breakdown caught the eye of Dijon, who not only made use of his pilfering, but also called on Jean-Claude to ball-carry as a hard-running blindside flank. A lineout option and ferocious defender, it is Fourie’s ability to offload in contact that makes him an asset to any squad. Experienced, disciplined and still only 25 years old, Jean-Claude Fourie is a player in his prime.