Hougaard is the flavour of the month in Eng

Scrumhalf Francois Hougaard was instrumental in Worcester Warriors' becoming the only side in Premiership to win all four matches in the month of March, setting a new club Premiership record.

"I don't think there has been a better mid-season signing than Francois," said England great Austin Healey. "While he would be the first to acknowledge his teammates, he was a vital ingredient to those victories as Worcester Warriors secured their place in Premiership next season.

"There is always a risk associated with signing a player halfway through a season, but this was a superb piece of business by Dean Ryan."

Hougaard made an incredible start to the month producing a man of the match performance in the 15-14 victory at Newcastle Falcons, Warriors' first away success in the Premiership for two years.

"Francois has had a huge influence on the side in a short space of time," said Ryan after Hougaard recently signed a new permanent contract at the club.

Hougaard was involved in a three-way battle for this month's title, eventually beating Saracens' fullback Alex Goode and Northampton Saints' back row Teimana Harrison to the title.

As well as the fans' vote, Hougaard was voted for by a panel of media professionals.