Stephen Nell

Cape Town - Ricky Januarie's move to French club side Lyon could potentially pave the way for Francois Hougaard to play for the Stormers in next year's Super Rugby tournament.

Sport24 understands from a number of South African rugby sources that the Bulls star will be on Western Province's shopping list for next season.

Hougaard, 23, is a product of WP - he attended Paul Roos Gymnasium and made his senior debut for the Cape provincial side at 18 years of age. He was lured to Pretoria at the end of 2007.

However, WP may decide to bring back their Prodigal Son as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

There are probably two positions that will require added depth at WP next year - fullback and scrumhalf.

Riaan Viljoen may be moving to the Cape from Griquas after this year's Currie Cup campaign.

Januarie's decision to move after the Super Rugby tournament may well prompt the Stormers into looking for an experienced scrumhalf to compete with Dewaldt Duvenage for the No 9 jersey.

Hougaard will be a good option and he is also a product of the WP Rugby Institute in Stellenbosch.

However, he won't be cheap and is probably sure of game time in Pretoria next year as Fourie du Preez will be moving to Japan after next year's World Cup.

The tournament ends on 23 October.