Francois Hougaard to return to Bulls?

Rumours are flying that Worcester Warriors Scrumhalf Francois Hougaard could be the latest signing by Jake White’s Pretoria-based Bulls.

Hougaard, 32, has been at Worcester since 2016, having signed a contract-extension in 2018 which is now coming to an end.

This obviously will free up the scrumhalf and it is said that White has already seized the opportunity to lure him back to his home-country.

Hougaard is no stranger to the Bulls after turning out in their colours for eight seasons previously after beginning his career at Western Province. He boasts 46 Springbok caps and a bronze medal from the Rio Olympics Sevens 2016.

Hougaard was recently linked with a move to a prominent Japanese club but it seems that White’s significant influence has intervened.

The Bulls are expected to lose current scrumhalf option, Ivan van Zyl in the near future so brining in a replacement of Hougaard’s calibre and experience seems to be a wise move.

The Bulls are busy building a formidable outfit, having announced the signing of former Sharks and current Ulster loose-forward Marcell Coetzee while they are also hot on the trail of Johan Goosen who looks set to return to South Africa soon from France.