Hougaard back and keen to improve

Editor

Worcester Warriors scrum-half Francois Hougaard has revealed that it feels "amazing" to be back fit and playing for the Premiership outfit again.

Hougaard also hopes to “inspire” the Warriors to Premiership survival for the third successive season.

The 29-year-old has struggled with his abductor muscle which he aggravated while on international duty with South Africa in September.

Following two months of recovery, Hougaard starred for the Warriors last Saturday as they beat Northampton Saints 30-15 at Sixways.

“It feels amazing to be back,” Hougaard told Worcester News.

“It’s nice to be part of a club where you can make a contribution and you feel the unbelievable support from people out there.

“It’s been a frustrating few weeks not being able to play and being a bit in the unknown.

“But I am continuing to work hard to get all the pain away.

“I am just very happy to get back on the field and able to help the guys get a victory.”

However, Hougaard is keen to improve when Warriors visit Leicester Tigers on Saturday.

“When you have not played in 10 weeks I don’t think anyone comes back and has their best performance of their life,” he said.

“It takes times and you only get better by playing.

“I have been very hard on myself this week as I know I can be so much better.

“I was not happy with my performance but the good thing about it is you get another opportunity, so I will be looking to fix that this weekend.”

Worcester's director of rugby, Gary Gold, admitted it was no coincidence Hougaard’s return against Northampton ended with the Warriors ending their seven-match winless streak.

Hougaard refused to take all the credit for this result though.

“Rugby is not a one man sport as there are 23 guys on the day that make a difference,” he added.

“If I can inspire teammates to do well and bring a positive buzz then I am happy.

“But I am not taking credit for coming in and making a huge difference. That’s not how it works.”