Springbok flyhalf Derick Hougaard is set to become the Western Force's next marquee import, as a replacement for Matt Giteau.

According to a report in the The Australian newspaper, Hougaard is set to leave the Leicester Tigers in England for Perth, where he made his Springbok debut in the 2003 World Cup.

According to the newspaper the Force is chasing Hougaard as their marquee import, to replace the Canberra-bound Giteau next year.

Hougaard, who played 43 Super Rugby games for the Bulls - including helping them to the 2007 Super 14 title - and eight Tests for the Springboks, signed as one-year deal with the Tigers, when he followed his former Bulls coach, Heyneke Meyer to Leicester.

Apart from his playmaking skills, Hougaard is also an excellent goal-kicker, having scored 161 points in 14 matches in the Bulls' Super 14 title-winning season in 2007.

The Force had previously talked to another South African flyhalf, the Stormers' Peter Grant, as part of its search for a replacement for Giteau.

It is imperative the Force recruits a dominant flyhalf, particularly if utility back James O'Connor follows Giteau to the Brumbies.

Even if O'Connor stayed in Perth, the Force would rather play him at inside centre or fullback than flyhalf at this early stage of his career.

The Force is expected to receive a boost with the re-signing of Wallabies No.8 Richard Brown, who had been chased by the other three Australian teams - Brumbies, Waratahs and Queensland Reds.

And the Force looks set to be boosted by the recruitment of Waratahs scrumhalf Brett Sheehan and second row forward Will Caldwell, who are seriously considering competitive offers from the west.

Sheehan is the type of physical halfback that Force coach John Mitchell likes, while Caldwell, a quiet achiever at the Waratahs, would add experience to the tight five.

The arrival of Sheehan in Perth would most likely see the departure of Josh Valentine, who may attract interest in Canberra.

The Force needs to rebuild its roster following the impending departure of Giteau, fullback Drew Mitchell, wing Scott Staniforth, inside centre Junior Pelesasa, tighthead prop Ben Castle and back row forward Tamati Horua.

There are fears a mass exodus of players could cause the Force to fall apart. But if it can sign players such as Brown, Sheehan and Caldwell, it will give the Force confidence.

365

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