FRANCOIS Hougaard is set to miss the start of Worcester Warriors’ season after being named in South Africa’s squad for the Rugby Championship.
The influential scrum-half will join up with the rest of his teammates tomorrow in Port Elizabeth as the Springboks start their preparations for the campaign, which kicks off their on August 19 against Argentina.
The competition which also features Australia and New Zealand runs until October 7, meaning Hougard is likely to be unavailable for Warriors’ opening six Aviva Premiership games.
Worcester have struggled without the 29-year-old, who has won 42 caps for his country, in the past when he has gone on international duty.
But director of rugby Gary Gold is confident ex-Ireland star Peter Stringer, who has arrived at Sixways on a six-month deal, will be able to fill his boots.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here