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Cape Town - Forgotten Springbok Francois Hougaard is eager to make a return to the national team in the 15-man code.
Hougaard, who represented the Springbok Sevens side in recent months, last week signed a short-term deal with English club Worcester Warriors.
He started at scrumhalf for the Warriors at the weekend, scoring a try as Worcester beat the Sale Sharks 31-23.
Hougaard was not picked for the Springboks for last year’s Rugby World Cup, but hopes his time in England will help him improve his skills as a scrumhalf and impress the Springbok selectors.
“I want to grab the attention of the Springbok selectors, no matter where I play,” Hougaard told Rapport. “I especially want to show the selectors that I can play in European conditions - and not only play, but play well. I believe the conditions will make me a better, well-rounded scrumhalf.
“I have made peace with the fact that I didn’t go to the World Cup and I’m using the disappointment as motivation to improve. My goal is still to play for the Springboks (in the 15-man code).”
Hougaard, 27, is currently on a one-year contract with the Springbok Sevens side. He will return to the squad in May, in time to be considered for selection for the last two World Series tournaments of the season, in Paris (May 14 and 15) and a week later at Twickenham in London.
Hougaard has played 35 Tests for the Springboks in the 15-man code, but his last Test came against Wales in Cardiff on November 29, 2014.
