The last time we heard from Derick Hougaard he was encouraging everyone to “dick deep”.

He was even kind enough to respond to our light-hearted jibes – HERE’S that story.

This time around it’s not quite so jovial and jolly, because the former Bok and Bulls flyhalf alleges that his comments on transformation in rugby led to SuperSport giving him the sack.

Hougaard had been a regular on Afrikaans weekly show, SuperRugby, but apparently we won’t be seeing him talk rugby on the channel any longer.

Commenting on his Facebook page, here’s his version of what went down – edited for brevity:

This is with sadness that I write this to you. I have had so many queries and questions why I am not working with supersport anymore or on the Monday show with the Legend Kobus Wiese.

And people have been so supporting and willing me on to get back on the horse.! Firstly I must say sorry to whom I disappointed. And especially the whole of South Africa. I love rugby and was my life. And will always be part of my life…

So not to keep you in the dark to much longer. I did think that the issue will look after it’s self. But unfortunately not. Without mentioning names. I made a comment or let’s say had a few on transformation and the negative influence it could have on our rugby structures. Not going into the debate in depth. And not to do with the Springboks whatsoever. A springbok deserves to play for his country. And a minister mailed Supersport taking me of TV completely.

I will always have a fair opinion and will stand by what will make South Africa n force in World Rugby again. It is a shame that it cost me my job. But my intentions was pure , understanding everybody’s backgrounds and upbringing. But more than anything. If you have played at the top you see nothing other than talent. The best structures and by what cost you will again be a fearful force whenever anyone play the mighty Springboks. That’s it in n nutshell. So hopefully this will answer most of your questions on why? I hope so…

Thanks for everyone’s support. Big things still lies ahead. We will talk rugby when our paths crosses.

Rugby has given me so much. Now next in line. Enjoy and have fun.

All my Love.
Derick Hougaard

‘All my love’ – ag shame, julle.

Here’s the thing – according to SuperSport spokesperson Clinton van den Berg, that’s not how it went down:

[He] told Netwerk24 that Hougaard had been a freelancer.

“As is the case with all of SuperSport’s freelancers, we decide at our own discretion if we use Derick on air or not.”

According to Van den Berg, there was also never a complaint from government regarding Hougaard.

Hmm, who to believe?

We all know that politics and sports are intricately woven together these days, but SuperSport do seem to have a very cosy relationship with many of the country’s leading sports ruling bodies.

When last did you see them air an exposé on the dodgy dealings over at SA Rugby, or digging a little deeper into South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and their continued misuse of public funds?

Spoiler alert – you didn’t, because those exposés just don’t happen.

[sources:facebook&sport24]