J.J. Harmse

Pretoria –  Bryan Habana made a lifestyle rather than a rugby decision to further his career at Western Province and the Stormers.

But the Springbok wing told Radio 702 in an interview that the move will have to be put on the back burner until the Blue Bulls have won the Currie Cup.

He admitted that the Springboks' success had played a role in keeping him in South Africa.

Habana said he took the decision to quit the Bulls after five years to experience another culture and something different.

His impending marriage later this month was part of the decision.

"It's a matter of a change of lifestyle and environment. I am eternally grateful to the Blue Bulls and Bulls for the time I spent with them. It was incredible to play with so many brilliant players and in such a great team," he said.

"This will be a new beginning for me. I considered going to play overseas, but the Springboks' success made it an easy decision to stay."

Habana said he had considered playing overseas for eight months and then return to South Africa so that he could qualify to play in the World Cup in 2011. Bok centre Jean de Villiers exercised this option.

"I spoke to the coach (Peter de Villiers) and decided to stay in the country. The Boks are an incredible bunch of guys and I want to contribute to their nation-building effort," said Habana.

He admitted that he had unfinished business at the Blue Bulls.

"There is a Currie Cup we want to win. That is the one thing I still have to do before I leave the Bulls. It remains a goal," said Habana.

Habana's No 11 jersey at the Bulls will be filled by Francois Hougaard this week.

The left wing position has been problematic for Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.

Akona Ndungane's late involvement in the Currie Cup forced Ludeke to first consider Hougaard and then Marius Delport at left wing.

Ndungane's return did not last long as he broke his leg in his first game back and Hougaard is actually a scrumhalf.

Meanwhile Sport24 has reliably learned that Griquas wing Bjorn Basson is on his way to replace Bryan Habana at the Blue Bulls.

Basson played Super14 rugby for the Cheetahs this year and also represented the Emerging Boks against the British and Irish Lions.

He is contracted with Griquas until the end of next year, but will be bought out of his contract so that he can join the Bulls.