Homesick Hougaard contemplating return home
Wednesday 23 November 2011
Saracens Derick Hougaard is reportedly contemplating a return back to South Africa to play for the Bulls once again.
The former Springbok fly-half - currently recovering after an Achilles operation - is still contracted to the English club, but was in Pretoria last week to discuss the move with the Bulls management according to the Rapport newspaper.
The 28-year-old earned himself the accolade "Liefling van Loftus" (an Afrikaans phrase meaning the "Sweetheart of Loftus Versfeld") whilst plying his trade in Pretoria.
Should he return to his roots, the eight-times capped Bok faces some stiff competition from South Africa's first-choice fly-half Morne Steyn, who took over the Bulls' number ten jersey when Hougaard went overseas in 2008.
"I'm enjoying it at Saracens and appreciate everything being done there for me, but I don't think it's a secret that I want to come back to South Africa and try to play for the Springboks again," said Hougaard.
"I also can't really see myself with any other South African team than the Bulls.
"I realise things have changed (with Steyn now the Bulls' and the Boks' number one fly-half), but I am very eager to throw my weight in with them."
Attempts earlier this year to get Hougaard back failed, but this time round the chances of a return to Loftus looks all the more likely.
