Former Bok flyhalf Derick Hougaard is not in the Bulls’ plans for this Super Rugby season despite expressing his desire to make a comeback.

Hougaard is set to visit well-respected orthopedic surgeon Johan Kruger to get another opinion on an achilles tendon injury that cut his career short in 2012, and will consider making a return to the game if the outcome is positive.

Hougaard has said he would want his ‘last rugby chapter to be at Loftus’, but there is certainly no certainty around the possibility or even probability of a return date.

According to SuperSport.com, coach Nollis Marais said he had no knowledge of Hougaard planning to return to the Bulls, while others at Loftus reiterated that there were no plans to include the 33-year-old in the squad even if he were cleared to play.

Meanwhile, Rudy Paige will take on the vice-captaincy of the team in the absence of Handré Pollard, who will miss the start of Super Rugby due to a shoulder injury.

Photo: Lee Warren/ Gallo Images