Now Japan beckons for Warrior Hougaard
WORCESTER Warriors scrum-half Francois Hougaard is set to leave Sixways when his contract runs out at the end of the season with Japan his most likely destination.
The South Africa international moved to the Warriors in February 2016 initially on a short term contract before penning a permanent deal which was then extended until the summer of 2021.
Hougaard, 32, who played 46 times for his country, was a bronze medallist at the 2016 Rio Olympics and had been linked with an unlikely move to Northampton Saints. But Blindside understands that his name is featuring on the shopping lists of clubs in Japan’s Top League who would offer him the chance of one last payday before he calls time on his career.
Warriors have spoken to another South African, Nic Groom, above about a move from Edinburgh but won’t be pressing ahead with plans to sign him and will instead look at a cheaper option.
We have been told they will be looking to put the money they had earmarked for a scrum-half into attracting a topclass loosehead prop to the club for next season.