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Cape Town - The Bulls have turned down a request from former Springbok flyhalf Derick Hougaard to return to Pretoria to play for them.
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The 28-year-old Hougaard - currently recovering after an Achilles operation - was in Pretoria two weeks ago where he was in discussions with Bulls coach Frans Ludeke and senior professional coach Heyneke Meyer about a possible move back to Loftus Versfeld.
Hougaard currently plays for English club, Saracens, and according to the Beeld newspaper the uncertainty regarding his form after his operations (he had two recent operations on his Achilles) probably discouraged the Bulls to offer him a contract.
"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," said Meyer.
Hougaard - who has repeatedly stated he would love to come back to South Africa - is understandably very disappointed. This is now the second time this year that talks between him and his former union about a possible return have failed.
"I got so many messages from fans after the news that I might come back, but who knows, maybe things will work out one day," said Hougaard.
WIN a Signed Springbok RWC Jersey
Click to BUY the SA Rugby Annual 2011
The 28-year-old Hougaard - currently recovering after an Achilles operation - was in Pretoria two weeks ago where he was in discussions with Bulls coach Frans Ludeke and senior professional coach Heyneke Meyer about a possible move back to Loftus Versfeld.
Hougaard currently plays for English club, Saracens, and according to the Beeld newspaper the uncertainty regarding his form after his operations (he had two recent operations on his Achilles) probably discouraged the Bulls to offer him a contract.
"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," said Meyer.
Hougaard - who has repeatedly stated he would love to come back to South Africa - is understandably very disappointed. This is now the second time this year that talks between him and his former union about a possible return have failed.
"I got so many messages from fans after the news that I might come back, but who knows, maybe things will work out one day," said Hougaard.
