Fourie lands 'Best Try' award

Jaque Fourie has won the International Rugby Players’ Association Try of the Year award for 2009 after his effort for South Africa against the Lions in Pretoria.

The Springbok centre beat off competition from 15 other tries shortlisted for the annual award, which was decided by nearly 8,000 voters in an online poll on the International Rugby Board website, www.irb.com.

The try, which came in the 74th minute of the crucial second Test against Ian McGeechan’s men at Loftus Versfeld, saw Fourie squeeze over in the corner after good build-up play from his team-mates.

It proved a decisive touchdown, helping win the game 28-25 and seal a tightly-fought series victory for the world champions.

“It is fantastic to win this award and I am honoured to receive it,” Fourie said. “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote online.

“This try demonstrates the value of team work and working for each other to achieve something very special, and made it such a privilege to be part of the Springboks team and the Lions series last summer.”