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Warriors thank SARU for Hougaard deal

Cape Town - Worcester Warriors have thanked the South African Rugby Union (SARU) for allowing Francois Hougaard to join them.

It was announced on Monday that the Springbok Sevens player will join the Aviva Premiership side in England on a short-term contract.

The Springbok scrumhalf is currently on a one-year contract with the Springbok Sevens side. He will return to the squad in May, in time to be considered for selection for the last two World Series tournaments of the season, in Paris (May 14 and 15) and a week later at Twickenham in London.

The move effectively means that Hougaard will not represent the Bulls in Super Rugby this season.

But the Bulls’ loss is Worcester’s gain and they are delighted to see Hougaard join them.

"We'd like to thank the South African Rugby Union for allowing Francois to join us at this time,” Worcester’s Director of Rugby Dean Ryan told the club’s official website.

"Francois is a livewire scrumhalf with enormous experience at the top level in South Africa.

"His signing is a statement of intent of where we are heading as a club and we are genuinely excited about what he can bring to the table.”

Hougaard added: "I can't wait to play in the Aviva Premiership and am relishing the challenge that lies ahead.

"After speaking with Dean and close friend Wynand Olivier, Worcester sounds like a fantastic place for any top-end athlete to be and I believe there is a lot to look forward to at the club.

"Hopefully I can add some experience to the side and we can start pushing our way up the table in this last block of games."

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