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‘Liefling’ to return to Loftus Versfeld?

Cape Town - Former Springbok flyhalf Derick Hougaard could make a comeback for the Bulls three years after retiring from rugby.

According to Afrikaans newspaper, Rapport, the 33-year-old will visit orthopaedist Johan Kruger on February 1 to get the green light to resume a career that was cut short in 2012 because of an Achilles tendon injury. At the time, Hougaard plied his trade with English club Saracens.

“I have that burning desire in my heart to play again,” said Hougaard. “I want my last rugby chapter to be at Loftus. I'm excited about the opportunity to play again, but also realistic about it. I don't want to put all my hopes on it and be disappointed again if it's ultimately not possible.

“But I don't want to regret one day that I didn't try to make a return. Therefore, I decided to get a second and third opinion on my injury.”

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

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