The South African full-back was part of the UAE set-up last season that often saw him called away to play for the 15s or sevens teams at the expense of Dragons.
Fourie featured for the UAE in Uzbekistan in May as Apollo Perelini’s men dismantled the hosts and Thailand on their way to storming back into Division I of the Asia Rugby Championship.
However, as the UAE flourished, Dragons floundered. Their unceremonious fall from grace continued as they finished seventh in the West Asia Championship and sixth in the UAE Premiership – earning just five wins from 18 games all season.
However, with former dual code star Henry Paul now at the helm, Fourie believes Dragons can rekindle the fire that burned so bright not that long ago.
“I think we have a good chance this year to get some silverware, hopefully in the club league and sevens,” said 34-year-old Fourie of the club that won back-to-back domestic trebles as recently as 2012/13 and 2013/14.
“There has been good support from everyone at the club and it feels like there has been some fire blown back into the Dragons belly which is nice to see.”
Under the stewardship of Bruce Pendrey last year, Dragons began to turn the tide after a truly woeful treble defence the previous campaign.
With Paul joined by former Arabian Gulf international Jonny MacDonald as backs coach, ex-Newcastle Falcon Andy Buist taking charge of the forwards and former Abu Dhabi Harlequins and Doha stalwart Jamie Clarke also lending his expertise, expectations are understandably even higher going into the new campaign.
“It’s good to have some proper structures in place now with Henry Paul,” added Fourie, who featured as Dragons thrashed UAE Conference champions Sharjah 72-12 last week in a pre-season friendly.
“The trial against Sharjah was good and to see what all the new boys can do. There are a lot of new quality players and recruits this season and this is what we lacked over the last few seasons.
“Pre-season was tough as usual this time of the year but the nice thing about it was that we had enough guys to do some attack and defence drills which helps.
“There is a lot of competition this year for positions and I think that’s healthy. Henry is doing a great job with Jonny MacDonald in selecting the right guys.
“It’s also good to see that some of the old boys are still coming down to training to have a go.
“After a break for EID we will be back into it as we have Bahrain away for our first league game.”
