FRANCOIS Hougaard is set to miss the start of Worcester Warriors’ season after being named in South Africa’s squad for the Rugby Championship.

The influential scrum-half will join up with the rest of his teammates tomorrow in Port Elizabeth as the Springboks start their preparations for the campaign, which kicks off their on August 19 against Argentina.

The competition which also features Australia and New Zealand runs until October 7, meaning Hougard is likely to be unavailable for Warriors’ opening six Aviva Premiership games.

Worcester have struggled without the 29-year-old, who has won 42 caps for his country, in the past when he has gone on international duty.

But director of rugby Gary Gold is confident ex-Ireland star Peter Stringer, who has arrived at Sixways on a six-month deal, will be able to fill his boots.