Hougaard putting Boks on ice for Warriors
SPRINGBOK ace Francois Hougaard will not rule out a return for the World Cup but says he is “at peace” with his decision to quit Test rugby at 30 to concentrate on turning Worcester into a Premiership force.
Scrum-half Hougaard has appeared 46 times for the Boks but will miss June’s series against England after informing new South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus, right, of his decision, which is borne of a desire to preserve his body after a decade on the Test treadmill.
Hougaard said: “Rassie’s good with my decision and I need a break. It wasn’t anything bad, I’ve loved every second of playing for South Africa, but I just want to show Worcester some loyalty now, rest my body and start next season with a bang.
“This will be the first time in my life where I’ve had a proper five-week break. Normally I’d go away with South Africa over the summer, get back six games into the Premiership season and not have a decent preparation or be able to start the season with the team.
“For the last two years I’ve come back to Worcester injured as well and I’ve never been able to take my mind off the game. The club has been great to me so it’s time to repay them by helping them become a more consistent side that can challenge in the league. “South Africa will always be in my heart and I can’t say I’ll never play for them again, but they’ve got lots of talented players who can slot in and I’m at peace with my decision. I’ll still support the Springboks but I’m just looking to build a successful club here now.” Hougaard is contracted to Worcester until 2021 and is confident he can help lead the Premiership’s perennial underachievers into the Champions Cup under rugby director Alan Solomons, who will be joined this summer by Cheetahs head coach Rory Duncan.
Determined Hougaard said: “I believe with everything in my heart that, with the preparation we’ll have and the guys coming in, we can be a top six side next season.
“I haven’t worked with Rory before but people say he’s a great guy and a good coach and he’s doing good things in PRO14 with the Cheetahs, while Solly’s done a brilliant job with recruitment since coming in halfway through and wants to lay down a marker.”
Worcester have a pair of experienced fly-halves arriving in Duncan Weir and Jono Lance, and Hougaard added: “Jono’s a solid, solid player who did well here on loan and is a great talent in Super Rugby.
“He’s a very well rounded player whose good in defence, has a great kicking game and can slot into No.12 as well, so with Duncan here we’ll have options.
“I’m excited for next season and we have the talent – it’s just a case of how badly we want it.”