Hougaard eyeing Bok return

Francois Hougaard is determined to regain his place in the Springbok team.

Hougaard was left out of last year’s World Cup squad and is using that disappointment as motivation to get back into the squad.

The 27-year-old recently took up a contract with the Worcester Warriors in England after a stint with the Blitzboks in the World Rugby Sevens Series. He started at scrumhalf for the Warriors on Saturday, scoring a try on debut.

Hougaard hopes his time in England will help him improve his skills as a scrumhalf and show the selectors that he is still good enough to play for the Springboks.

‘I want to grab the attention of the Springbok selectors, no matter where I play,’ Hougaard told Rapport. ‘I especially want to show the selectors that I can play in European conditions – and not only play, but play well. I believe the conditions will make me a better, well-rounded scrumhalf.

‘I have made peace with the fact that I didn’t go to the World Cup and I’m using the disappointment as motivation to improve. My goal is still to play for the Springboks.’

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Photo: Marty Mellville/AFP Photo