Boks' loss is Blitz gain

Francois Hougaard was a surprise omission from the Springbok team that took part in the World Cup; now the Bok utility back will take a sabbatical for at least a year from the Test team. The side's loss is the Blitzboks' gain. Hougaard and former Sharks and Springbok loose forward Ryan Kankowski have signed contracts with the national Sevens team for the coming season, up until the end of the Olympic Games in Brazil next year.