Hougaard seals Wasps move

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Wasps have officially announced the signing of Springbok scrumhalf Francois Hougaard from the Worcester Warriors for the 2021-22 Premiership season.

Hougaard will join Wasps at the end of the current season, once he completes his responsibilities with the Warriors.

‘I am massively excited to be joining such a great club in Wasps,’ Hougaard said. ‘They have some brilliant players and play a wonderful brand of rugby.

‘I was hugely impressed by the ambition of the club and the vision and philosophy of the coaches.

‘I can’t wait to continue my career with a new challenge and hopefully I can make a difference to what is already a great squad.’

Hougaard, who played 45 times for the Boks, had previously been linked with Jake White’s Vodacom Bulls but, as SARugbymag.co.za reported back in February, that move was ruled out a while back.

Wasps head coach Lee Blackett welcomed the signing of the 32-year-old.

‘We are delighted to sign an exciting player like Francois for next season,’ Blackett said.

‘We are lucky to have some very talented young nines and 10s at the club, but with Dan Robson often away on international duty, we feel adding Francois’ experience will be invaluable to the balance of youth and experience within the team.

‘Francois has been a proven Premiership operator with Worcester for a number of years now and we are looking forward to seeing him put in some top performances in a Black and Gold shirt next season.

‘We are all looking forward to working with him and believe he will be an extremely positive influence on our squad.’

Photo: Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images

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