Hougaard champing at the Tiger's bit
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:50
A Bullish Tiger: Flyhalf Derick Hougaard
Former Blue Bulls pivot Derick Hougaard is settling in well at Leicester Tigers, despite a challenging transition period, and can't wait to be reunited with his old mentor Heyneke Meyer.
The 25-year-old arrived at his new English club a month ago, hot on the heels of former head coach Heyneke Meyer.
With a hotel room for accommodation and an injured shoulder keeping him away from the field, Hougaard is counting down the days to when he can get involved with the Tigers squad, and reunite with a coach he holds in the highest regard.
"It has been really frustrating getting here and then not being able to train with the guys on the pitch," Hougaard told the Leicester Mercury's official site.
"But I am starting to run a bit and do some light weights. Hopefully I can get some game-time in around two weeks time.
"I am so keen to get to know the guys. But it's a long season and I need to get my body right.
"Staying in a hotel is not ideal but I have a car now and am looking for somewhere to live.
"The guys have been great, very friendly and have been helping me a lot. The fact that Tigers are similar to the Bulls has made moving here a lot easier than it might have been.
"One of the biggest similarities is the way the guys feel for each other. It's like a family culture and the same way things are back home.
"All of the structures between the two clubs are quite similar and they are both really professional outfits."
The 'Liefling van Loftus' will be sorely missed by his home union. Having broke the record for the most points scored in a Currie Cup final (26) at just 19 years of age, Hougaard had just signed a four-year contract to stay at the Bulls when Leicester - and Meyer - came knocking on his door.
"It was a shock. I was going to stay at the Bulls for another four years," he said.
"The opportunity came when I least expected but, like everything in life, things happen for a reason and it all happened quite quickly.
"I thought I would finish my career at the Bulls but it was a great opportunity for me when this came along.
"The chance to think about winning a Premiership and the Heineken Cup means that I could retire with a smile on my face. That was a big draw for me to come here.
"I knew a lot about the club already.
"Tigers are a well-known and respected team throughout the world and, even in South Africa, we know that Tigers are one of the best clubs in Europe, so getting an opportunity to come and play here is a big deal for me.
"Working with Heyneke again was also a big pull but, even so, it was still one of the biggest decisions in my life so far.
"Heyneke is a great person. He will get the best out of everyone. He's a guy who doesn't expect second or third place. He wants to win all of the time," Hougaard added.
