Hougaard Fails in Bid for Homecoming

South African fly-half Derick Hougaard may not be appearing in many upcoming Ruby previews as he has failed in his attempt to secure a return to former club the Bulls, after the former Springbok found his chances at Saracens limited. The 28-year old has been battling his way back from a second Achilles operation, and had hoped to move back to the club where he first made a name for himself, in a successful six year period between 2002 and 2008.


Fitness concerns have ruled out any deal though, with Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer admitting he would have been eager to have signed a fully fit Hougaard and would keep an eye on the situation in the future. Meyer, who first signed the fly-half for Leicester back in 2008, made it clear if Hougaard can return to full fitness then he would still be a valuable member of any team.


“Unfortunately we cannot currently accommodate Derick in our structure.”


"If Derick is fit and injury-free, he will still be a world-class player. And if the situation changes and circumstances necessitate it, we will gladly call on him.”


Even those who Bet on rugby league may be aware that, before his injury, Hougaard had racked up 269 points in just 34 appearances for Saracens, establishing himself as one of the most prolific number tens in the Premiership. Since being out of the team, the South African has seen Charlie Hodgson, Owen Farrell, Sam Stanley and Alex Goode all impress when given the chance at fly-half, with it looking unlikely that Hougaard will have much of a chance of re-establishing himself in the side.