Hougaard signs lengthy deal to stay at Worcester Warriors

(Photo: Getty Images)
By Adam Ellis
Scrum-half Francois Hougaard has signed a new three-year deal to extend his stay with Worcester Warriors.
The Springboks and Blitzbok star, 29, has become a key player at Sixways after turning an initial short-term deal permanent in 2016 following a string of performances which netted his the Premiership player of the month award.
Going on to make 29 appearances during his time with the Warriors, director of rugby Alan Solomons was effusive about the playmaker’s abilities in bringing a competitive edge to the Premiership side.
“Francois is an X Factor player who has had a major impact on the fortunes of this club’s performances on the pitch over the last two years,” Solomon’s told the club’s official website.
“His experience, ability, drive and energy have been key for the side. He is a talisman for the team and lifts the players around him so we are extremely excited to have Francois here for the next three years.”
A two-time Super Rugby title-winner with the Bulls, Hougaard’s career has seen him battle his way to 46 international caps when he had contend with the likes of Fourie du Preez and Ruan Pienaar for competition.
Now looking to the future with Worcester, Hougaard said: “I have felt at home at Sixways since the day I arrived at the Club and feel fortunate to be part of a squad which is so committed to moving forward in unity.
“We have a fantastic group of players at Sixways who all want to do well for each other and I am looking forward to being part of this Club’s future.”
Warriors travel to the AJ Bell Stadium in this weekend’s Aviva Premiership fixtures to take on Sale Sharks, where a bonus-point win could see them rise above Northampton Saints to tenth in the table.