After a six-week absence marked by frustration and humor, DHL Stormers tighthead prop Neethling Fouche is back in contention. His controversial red card against Ulster and subsequent suspension sparked widespread disagreement within the rugby community.The incident and its aftermath have been a constant topic,notably for Stormers coach John Dobson,known for his sardonic wit.

Dobson’s Take: Sarcasm and tackle School

coach John Dobson has struggled to mask his feelings about Fouche’s suspension, often resorting to sarcasm when discussing the player’s absence. He quipped:

Neethling didn’t have a spade to dig a hole in the ground so that he could go low enough so it is indeed right that he has to correct that by spending time at tackle school.

john Dobson, DHL Stormers Coach

This sentiment reflects the general disbelief surrounding the severity of the punishment.

Fouche’s Outlook: From Naughty Corner to Dirty Nappies

Fouche himself has faced a barrage of questions about his “tackle school” experience. He addressed the media with humor, acknowledging the personal impact of his time off the field.

It is indeed nice to now be out of the naughty corner and my wife has made good use of it. She saw it as a chance for me to help out with dirty nappies and that kind of thing.

Neethling Fouche, DHL Stormers Tighthead Prop

Despite the lighthearted banter, Fouche admitted to the underlying frustration of being sidelined during a critical part of the season.

The Silver Lining: Rest and Rejuvenation

Fouche, who harbors Springbok ambitions, sees a potential upside to his suspension. The unexpected break could provide a much-needed physical and mental refresh before the final stretch of the season and potential international duties in July.

I am a great believer that there is always some silver lining to every disappointment.

Neethling Fouche, DHL Stormers Tighthead Prop

He elaborated on the anxiety of watching from the sidelines, particularly during close games:

When you are not playing you do feel more anxious. The last two that I was here to watch were okay because we won comfortably and there were no gray hairs but the first one against Connacht had me at home sitting with my pillow over my head, unable to look (I was so tense).

Neethling Fouche, DHL Stormers Tighthead Prop

He added, Disappointment can quickly be turned around into a positive, and I got over the disappointment of being told I was suspended for three games by figuring out that it was a chance to get rid of a few niggles and to freshen up a bit. Fortunately there was no setback for the Stormers while I was out and we won all three games with bonus points,so looking back it has been good.

Backup Depth Impresses

Fouche also highlighted the emergence of younger players during his absence, praising the depth within the Stormers squad. He specifically mentioned Sazi Sandi and Vernon Matongo.

The great thing for us at the Stormers is that there are always new guys coming through, and with Frans (Malherbe) also out it offered an opportunity to sazi (Sandi), and I thought he did really well.

Neethling Fouche, DHL Stormers Tighthead Prop

He is particularly enthusiastic about matongo’s potential:

Vernon (Matogo) also showed us what I have always thought of him (at loosehead), which is that he is going to be a big name loosehead in the future.

Neethling Fouche, DHL Stormers Tighthead Prop

Fouche added, I do have a soft spot for Vernon. This is the first season he has been training with us and you just know when you are a tighthead when you are going up against a loosehead that has got it. He puts me under so much pressure (in scrumming sessions). He’s always asking for advice and listening, he is always willing to learn and he is just getting better and better. I really think he is a loosehead prop we should be really excited about.

The Stormers’ loosehead options will be further bolstered by the arrival of Ntuthuko Mchunu next season.The team also has Sti sithole and Ali Vermaak.

Cardiff Challenge and Playoff Hopes

Fouche is focused on the upcoming game against Cardiff, which he believes will be a tough test against the best Welsh pack in the URC. A win would secure a fifth-place finish and a likely quarterfinal match against Glasgow Warriors.

when you’ve been away for a while you might sometimes lose speed of engagement but luckily I have good coaches helping me like Shimmie (Hanyani Shimange), Brokkie (Brok Harris) and Rito (Hlungwani) helping me. They have pushed me during my time in the NPS (non playing squad) to keep my sharpness up.It might take a few scrums to get my feet again but I am sure it will go well.

Neethling Fouche, DHL Stormers Tighthead Prop

he is eager to return to the field and play in front of the Stormers’ passionate supporters.

Our supporters are a blessing. Last week they came out in numbers in the rain. The noise they make when the team runs out onto the field sends shivers through my flesh. There were a lot of people there for the Dragons game on such a bad weather night and it shows the passion they have for us.

Neethling Fouche, DHL Stormers Tighthead Prop

he concluded, I’ve told the other players to soak it in, to enjoy it, as this doesn’t last forever. We have the best fans and we really feel the support. I am just sorry we couldn’t get them a home playoff this year but we will be determined to end the season for them on a winning note.