Share

'Liefling' rules out return to rugby

Cape Town - Former Springbok and Bulls flyhalf Derick Hougaard has decided against making a comeback to professional rugby.

This comes after Hougaard recently indicated that he was considering a return to the game three years after retiring.

The 33-year-old visited orthopaedist Johan Kruger last Monday to find out more about the Achilles tendon injury which ended his stint with English club Saracens in 2012.

According to Rapport, the doctor advised him not to play rugby again.

“Now I don't have to wonder one day if I could have returned to the rugby field,” said Hougaard. “I regard Johan as a very good person and I could see in his eyes that he wanted to help me.

“I wanted to be certain if I could play again. Now I can finally move on.”

Hougaard, a former darling of Loftus Versfeld which earned him the nickname ‘Liefling’, played eight Tests for the Springboks between 2003 and 2007.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1165 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1361 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2070 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE