Former Springbok flyhalf Derick Hougaard could make a comeback for the Bulls three years after retiring from the game.

According to Rapport, the 33-year-old will visit orthopedist Johan Kruger on 1 February to get the green light to resume a career that was cut short in 2012 because of an achilles tendon injury. Hougaard was with English club Saracens at the time.

'I have that burning desire in my heart to play again,' Hougaard told Rapport. '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. So I decided to get a second and third opinion on my achilles tendon.'

Hougaard played 43 Super Rugby and 68 Currie Cup matches for the Bulls between 2003 and 2008, and earned eight Test caps for the Boks.

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