The 28-year-old hooker has been a phenomenon for the Al Ghazal outfit in his two seasons in the UAE and is a significant coup for Dragons.
A ferociously powerful runner, Fourie is a formidable force in what has been an all-conquering Sarries pack in the last two years.
The dynamic forward has been at the core of a devastating front eight, scoring five tries in his debut 2014/15 season, including two in the final of West Asia Cup which saw Sarries crowned kings of Asia with a 26-20 win against much-fancied Doha in their own back yard.
Despite his hulking presence, Fourie is also a nimble mover with exceptional hands, both as a ball carrier and lineout thrower, and he will be a superb addition to a Dragons side that is expected to be much-improved in 2016/17.
“Gio’s ability is obvious but it’s his team work and commitment that has impressed us so far,” said Dragons director of rugby, Paul Hart.
“100 per cent attendance to training is what we like to see in all new boys to the club.”
With the likes of UAE skipper Niall Statham injured and not expected to play before the Dubai Sevens and several other players departing the Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence due to retirement, including former UAE skipper Adam Telford, Fourie’s addition to the Jebel Ali pack is a very welcome one.
“We already have a player base we are very happy with, but we have lost a few key players to retirement so we are aiming to add a few new players in key positions,” added Hart.
“We are lucky that our great location and new coaching set-up has resulted in 20+ new players turning up to pre-season already.
“Our development plan is based around creating the best possible coaching, physio and strength and conditioning structure.”
Fourie himself initiated the switch to Dubai, approaching Dragons towards the end of the season as he was looking to relocate to Dubai for work.
Fourie has been an eye-catching bundle of energy whenever he has taken to the field for Sarries and Dragons are delighted to have acquired his services, and Hart quashed any fears they had poached the tenacious South African.
“Our recruitment strategy is certainly not based around trying to poach talent from other UAE teams, but when players approach is we try to be as welcoming as possible,” said Hart.
“One such example is Gio, who contacted the club in April as he was looking to relocate to dubai and was job-seeking. Fortunately we were able to help Gio in his job search and have welcomed him to Dubai.”