Philip de Bruin

Cape Town – Luke Watson is sorry for the mistakes he made and wants to return to South Africa.

Watson, who unleashed a torrent of fury by saying that he had to keep himself from vomiting on the Springbok jersey, talks about his errors in judgment in the latest edition of SA Rugby magazine.

“I now understand why so many people in South Africa didn’t like me. I was a political pawn, even if I had good intentions,” he said.

The former Springbok loose forward is currently the captain of English club side Bath.

“If I could get the chance again, I would do a lot of things differently. I regret going to the camp (of former Springbok coach Jake White in 2007) knowing that the coach did not want me there,” said Watson.

“I did things that were not always my own choice. In reality I was a political pawn. I had good intentions and wanted to promote a certain cause.

“But I also knew that I did not want to be there – just as little as Jake and the other players wanted me there. Looking back I was wrong.

“Was I the positive influence I was supposed to be? No. Was I constructive enough in my approach? No.

“I should not have been there.”

Watson said he had unfinished business in South Africa and would like to return to make a “constructive contribution” and be a “good role model” for young rugby players.