Luke Watson concedes he was used by South African politicians in the past and admits that while he regrets some of his actions, he is now a changed man.

Watson is currently enjoying a career resurgence at Bath, free from the controversy that plagued him during his time in South Africa. Having been handed the captaincy reins shortly after his arrival at the Recreation Ground, the flanker has blossomed both on and off the field.

However, the 26-year-old's reputation in the country of his birth remains poor, with his perceived disrespect for the national team and the political nature of his selection for the Springboks souring many South Africans opinion of the man.

Such perceptions may be altered after Watson admitted in an interview with SA Rugby magazine that he regretted aspects of his behaviour and the manner in which he had allowed himself to be used by politicians.

"Being away from South Africa has given me a chance to breathe, a chance to see things from an outside perspective," Watson told SA Rugby in the October 2010 issue.

"It has given me a chance to take a good hard look at myself and what has gone before, to distinguish between what is true and what is not true, what is hype and what is propaganda.

"The feelings that have driven the way I've acted have been feelings I had from a young age. I grew up in an environment that was very different to that experienced by other white kids of my age. I had certain beliefs installed in me from the outset.

"I would hope that over time I've grown up, matured. There are still things I stand by, and maybe if I'd done things differently I wouldn't have learnt as much as I have, but if I had my time again, I would do many things differently.

"I can now understand why so many people back home disliked me," he said.

Watson maintains that in some areas he was not the only one to blame for controversies that arose. One such incident occurred when Watson was added to the Springbok training squad in May 2007 by members of SARU and Springbok manager Zola Yeye (a long time to family friend of the Watsons) without the knowledge of coach Jake White or his panel of selectors.

"I do regret now that I went to the camp when the coach didn't want me." said Watson.

"But I did things back then that weren't always my choice. I was made to feel that I had to attend the camp as part of a cause, to satisfy the people who had pushed for my inclusion.

"In reality I was a political pawn. I felt that my intentions were noble, that I was advancing some cause, but I also knew I didn't want to be there any more than Jake and the rest of the Springbok players wanted to have me there.

"In hindsight it was wrong, and while I was cross with Jake for the things he said, two wrongs definitely don't make a right."

Having been selected for the Springboks by new coach Peter de Villiers for the 2008 season, Watson was criticised for his poor performances and was later described by captain John Smit as being the 'cancer' of the team. The Springboks won only two matches during the Tri-Nations despite winning the World Cup the previous season.

Watson disputes that the poor showing was down to any effect that he may have had on the team but admits he could have behaved better.

"I don't think I was a massively disruptive influence then, but there were things I disagreed with, and it's another issue that, were I to have that time again, I would approach differently.

"I am a lot more mature now, and though I will never apologise for calling a spade a spade and fighting for things I feel strongly about, there are a few questions I have to ask myself.

"Was I the positive influence that I should have been? No.

"Was I constructive enough in my approach? No. I shouldn't have been there, my mindset was all wrong."

Watson has now racked up 25 caps for Bath and is at the forefront of the teams' charge for Aviva Premiership glory.

The full interview with Luke Watson can be found in the October 2010 issue of SA Rugby magazine