How Francois Hougaard "popped his shoulder" in loss at Northampton

Hougaard sustained the blow after an altercation with Saints inside centre Rory Hutchinson four minutes into the second half.

Boss Alan Solomons is expected to give an update on the extent of Hougaard’s injury at tomorrow’s press conference.

Here’s a breakdown of how Hougaard’s injury occurred. Pictures courtesy of BT Sport / Premiership Rugby.

1. Hougaard brings down Taqele Naiyaravoro.

2 Hougaard tries to get over the ball before being cleared out by JJ Tonks.

3. Hutchinson then weighs in.

Commentator Martin Gillingham said: “There is a bit of pushing and shoving going on off the ball here and it’s certainly getting rather bad tempered.”

4. Hutchinson pushes Hougaard to the ground.

5. Hougaard retaliates by pushing Hutchinson.

6. Hougaard is then thrown to the ground by Hutchinson, landing on his shoulder as Conor Carey and Michael Fatialofa push Tonks.

7. Carey comes in and pushes Hutchinson away.

8. Hougaard lifts his arm up to signal to officials. Referee Jack Makepeace blows his whistle.

9. Sam Lewis signals to medical staff while a melee ensues.

10. Hougaard looks in pain as he receives treatment.

Referee Makepeace said: “I have not seen anything. While they are getting treatment Nigel (Carrick, TMO) just let us know if we need to have a look at this."

11. Makepeace speaks to Saints skipper Alex Waller and Warriors captain Ryan Mills about the incident.

Makepeace said: "Nigel we have got no clear foul play have we? OK, thank you.

Speaking to Waller and Mills, Makepeace said: "So look that can't happen again in the game as we’ll start penalising people.

"You have got an opportunity to talk to everyone. The TMO has not come in so we are gong to start with a (Saints) scrum."

In response Mills said: "He’s popped his shoulder."

But Makepeace replied: "Go and speak to your players. The TMO wil come in if it is a clear thing."

12. Hougaard leaves the field and is replaced by Jono Kitto.

Commentator Gillingham said: "You might well have heard Ryan Mills saying (Francois) popped his shoulder. Alex Waller responded saying it wasn’t as a consequence to what he described as the fight.

“But Hougaard is going off and it certainly looks to be a shoulder issue.”