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Louw ready to make Bok impact

Cape Town - Springbok flank Francois Louw is excited to make a valuable contribution if called up to the national squad for upcoming Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup.

Louw is one of the overseas-based South Africans expected to make the Springbok squad to be announced later this week.

He has shown excellent form for English club Bath, who finished second in the English Premiership standings before losing out to Saracens in the final, while they also qualified for the European Champions Cup quarter-finals.

The loose forward, who boasts 34 Test caps and five Test tries, was also the only South African named in the English Premiership team of the season, underlining his influence on the field.

Louw hopes to continue his form in Springbok colours, like he did at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

“I’d love the opportunity to make coach Heyneke Meyer’s squad. Every South African player will be hoping to make the cut. We will have to see what happens later this week,” Louw told MyPlayers.co.za.

“But it’s definitely an exciting year ahead with the Rugby Championship set to be full of action, and shortly thereafter, the World Cup kicks off. It’s every player’s dream to be part of the global tournament as you get to prove yourself on the biggest stage of world rugby.

“I can still remember the excitement during the preparations for the 2011 World Cup preparations, and the team’s journey in New Zealand. It was an amazing experience.”

Louw acknowledges the challenge of being based overseas as European and Japan-based players are not in South African spotlight during Super Rugby.

“When I first signed for Bath, I knew it would be more challenging making the Springbok squad. But it was a move I needed to make at that stage of my career as I needed a fresh challenge, on and off the field,” said Louw.

“So when Heyneke Meyer gave me my opportunity in 2012, I was delighted and made the most of it. I’m glad that I’ve been able to play an extended role for South Africa over the years, and I want to continue giving my best to the team.”

Louw has enjoyed some off time in Cape Town over the past four weeks since the 2014-15 English Premiership campaign ended on May 30.

The 30-year-old, who recently enjoyed his birthday on June 15, said he’s enjoying the off time with family.

“This has been the longest holiday I’ve enjoyed in a long, long time, so I’m definitely making the most of it,” said Louw. “I travelled down back to Cape Town a few weeks ago, so it’s been great catching up with the family back at home.

“My wife and I are also spending some quality time with our eight-month-old daughter, who has added so much joy to our lives. Fatherhood has been great.”

For more exclusive player content, check out MyPlayers.co.za


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