FLY-HALF Tom Heathcote has been hailed as a “great talent” by Worcester Warriors’ South African star Francois Hougaard.

The 28-year-old has given his full backing to Heathcote, who has been Warriors’ first-choice number 10 for Worcester in this season’s Aviva Premiership campaign.

And Hougaard says he is looking forward to linking up with the 24-year-old former Scottish international next season.

Hougaard and Heathcote have been Warriors’ starting nine-10 combination in nine Premiership matches since the Springbok arrived at Sixways in February.

But Luke Baldwin takes over the number nine jersey for tomorrow’s match against defending champions Saracens at Sixways (3.30pm) as Hougaard is linking up with South Africa sevens.

“Tommy is a great talent and a great player,” said Hougaard.

“The guys around you make a big difference when they communicate and support you. I am looking forward to playing with him next season.”

Warriors have suffered successive defeats to Exeter Chiefs, Wasps and Leicester Tigers since beating London Irish on March 26 to safeguard their Premiership status.

Hougaard admits it might have been hard for the players to focus fully after beating now-relegated Irish.

“There are small things we can work on and that's what makes me so excited about coming back in September, putting in the work and just getting bigger as a team,” said Hougaard.

“We won four successive games to secure our Premiership spot but sometimes it’s difficult after that because what do you have to play for then?

“You are not going to make the play-off semi-finals and you are not going to go down, so it’s always important to know what you’re working towards for yourself and the club.”

But Hougaard insists Warriors’ improved form under his guidance was not solely down to him.

“The improvement was down to small things that fell into place and made the team work,” he added.

“I am just an individual who is contributing to the team and hopefully making a positive difference.

“Rugby is not just a one-man sport, so credit has to go to the whole Worcester team.

“From where we started and where we are going now is a massive difference.

“We are on the right road and there are small things we can work on and tweak for next season.”