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The Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd has released their beloved flyhalf Derick Hougaard to further his career in England where he will team up with Heyneke Meyer to play for the Leicester Tigers.

Hougaard has been absolutely brilliant for the Vodacom Blue Bulls as well Vodacom Bulls since he made his debut as a 19-year old in 2002.

He was one of the kingpins of the Blue Bulls' Currie Cup success in2002 and 2004 and was outstanding for the Bulls in the last five yearsof Super Rugby. Hougaard, who was the best goal kicker in 2007's as well as 2008'sSuper 14 tournament, has signed a three year deal with Leicester and he will be released with immediate effect.

Hougaard says he always thought he would play for the Blue Bullstill his 30th birthday, "but this opportunity arose and I think it is a wonderful chance to test myself against the best players in theNorthern Hemisphere.

"I definitely would like to play for the Bulls in the future againbut I am looking forward to work with Heyneke and to compete in theHeineken Cup in the next couple of seasons.

"Heyneke always had the ability to get the best out a player andever since I was young he backed me and it goes without saying that hehad an enormous positive influence on my career."

Hougaard said that he would like to use this opportunity tosincerely thank his loyal fans for all their support during the lastseven years.

"I loved Pretoria and the fans were incredible. During good as wellas bad times they supported me and they always encouraged me to take my game to the next level. I have been blessed to play in quite a numberof Currie Cup finals as well as being part of a winning Super 14 teamand I guess I don't always realize how fortunate I have been.

"Sometimes when I think about all the great times I have had at theBulls I am in awe of the opportunity that the Lord has given me. I have so many things to be grateful for and I will always treasure thefriendships that I made at Loftus Versfeld."

The CEO of the Leicester Tigers Peter Wheeler said he is verypleased to have signed such a good player and he believes thePremiership and Heineken Cup will suit Hougaard's playing styleperfectly.

"We were very impressed by his performances during the last year and we believe he still has many great years ahead of him.

"Derick is only 25 and he has not realized his full potential yet.He has a very good working relationship with Heyneke and I hope that we can help him to maximize his potential as a rugby player."

"We seem to be like the Bulls in that we have a wonderful familyculture at the Tigers and we are looking forward to continue and foster such an environment."

The CEO of the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Barend van Graan saidHougaard was definitely part of the Bulls' future plans and that is why we signed him till the end of 2011.

"Leicester approached us and made us a lucrative offer. Weconsidered the deal and all our role players were satisfied with thebusiness transaction.

"It is now our responsible to bring through the next generation offlyhalves like Burton Francis, Ruan and Marnitz Boshoff as well as thecurrent SA u20 flyhalf Francois Brummer. Morne Steyn's contract hasalso being extended till 2011.

"The unique and special relationship existing between Heyneke andDerick is a well known fact and Derick has always performed at his best under the management and coaching of Heyneke.

"Derick indicated that he dearly wants to work with Heyneke againand has requested us to release him from his agreement with the Company in order to allow him to take up the employment with Leicester.

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