SCRUM Half Francois Hougaard has hailed the club’s spirit after committing his long term future to Worcester Warriors.
The South African international has signed a new contract to keep him at Sixways until 2021 and becomes the latest big name to put pen to paper ahead of the 2018/19 season.
Hougaard, 29, has been an influential figure at Sixways since initially arriving on a short-term deal in February 2016 and scored a try on his Warriors debut.
Warriors won five of their first six matches with him at the club and the Springbok soon signed a permanent deal before he became Warriors’ first player to win the Aviva Premiership Player of the Month award after his sensational start to life at Sixways.
The scrum-half has gone on to make 29 appearances has produced a string of stand-out performances.
On the international front Hougaard has won 46 caps for South Africa and was part of his country’s 2011 Rugby World Cup squad and 2016 Rio Olympics Sevens squad, where he picked up a bronze medal.
Before his move to Sixways, Hougaard spent seven years with the Blue Bulls after beginning his career with Western Province.
Hougaard won back-to-back Super Rugby titles with the Bulls in 2009 and 2010, secured Currie Cup triumph with the Blue Bulls in 2009 and reached four consecutive Vodacom Cup finals – winning the competition in 2008 and 2010. He also spent time with the Southern Kings in 2009.
“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,” he said.
“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.
Director of rugby Alan Solomons said: “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.
“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.”
