Bok scrumhalf heads abroad
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.
Since joining the Springbok Sevens, Hougaard has played in four Sevens World Series tournaments, helping South Africa to joint first place on the log as well as winning the inaugural Cape Town Sevens title.
Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell said Hougaard has made a big impact since joining the squad before the start of the season.
According to Powell, the player has always played open cards with him regarding his desire to undertake a short spell overseas.
"This is a great opportunity for Francois and he was always keen on the idea of exploring playing opportunities overseas," said Powell.
"He has kept us informed at all times and we had him scheduled to skip the next couple of tournaments anyway, because of our rotation system."
Hougaard will therefore not be available for selection for the next four World Series tournaments, in Las Vegas, Vancouver, Hong Kong and Singapore.
The Springbok Sevens is currently one of a trio of teams who have 69 points after four rounds. Fiji is placed first because of their superior points margin, followed by South Africa and New Zealand.
At Worcester, he will be reunited with former Bulls and Springbok teammates Wynand Olivier and Dewald Potgieter.
During his time at Loftus Versfeld the versatile back racked-up an impressive 26 tries in 88 appearances as he helped the Bulls to back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2009 and 2010, scoring a vital try against rivals Stormers in the 2010 Final.
Domestically, Hougaard played for the Blue Bulls from 2008 to 2015, crossing the whitewash 16 times in 48 games as they reached the Currie Cup Final in 2008, before winning it a year later where he again scored an important try in the final against the Cheetahs.
The No.9 was also part of the Blue Bulls side which reached four consecutive Vodacom Cup finals, winning it in 2008 and 2010, while he also spent time with the Southern Kings back in 2009.
"Francois is a livewire scrum-half with enormous experience at the top level in South Africa," Worcester Director of Rugby Dean Ryan said.
"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. We'd also like to thank the South African Rugby Union for allowing Francois to join us at this time."
Hougaard added: "I can't wait to play in Aviva Premiership Rugby 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."
* Meanwhile, the Springbok Sevens confirmed on Monday that regular skipper Kyle Brown (minor shoulder operation), Branco du Preez (shoulder surgery) and Cecil Afrika (hamstring) have all returned to full training following the successful completion of their respective rehabilitation programmes.
