Hougaard eyes strong Currie Cup

Editor

Unwanted Springbok back Francois Hougaard is determined to show the country's selectors what they are missing during this season's Currie Cup.

Hougaard, who has played on the right wing for the Bulls in Super Rugby 2015, offers versatility due to his previous position being scrum-half.

But it appears he has fallen out of favour with the national selectors, who instead chose Faf de Klerk, Rudy Paige, Ruan Pienaar, Fourie du Preez and Cobus Reinach as the options at number nine in their extended squad.

"I could have earned more money in Japan, but I'm not someone who runs away. I'm a fighter and like to prove people wrong," he told Netwerk24, with the player moving to Canon Eagles after this year's domestic competition.

"I'm not sure if it (playing wing) influenced my chance of making the Bok squad. But I'm not going to let it get me down. I enjoy playing wing. If I don't make the World Cup squad, then so be it. But I will fight until the end to make it."

Hougaard added that Blue Bulls head coach Nollis Marais is looking to move him back to the base for this campaign and he's keen to impress.

"I had a nice chat with Nollis and he wants to utilise me at scrum-half. It's the position where you get criticised most often. If the forwards struggle, then the scrum-half struggles. I'm ready for the responsibility," he said.