SCRUM-HALF Francois Hougaard has picked up Worcester Warriors’ player of the month award for March.

Since returning from injury in February, the Springbok star has been at the heart of Warriors' recent upturn in form.

Hougaard showed his skills to speed to the whitewash for a spectacular solo try against Bristol, before another fine break saw him set up Bryce Heem as Warriors secured an all-important win at the start of March.

Warriors also secured two valuable points at Wasps in their battle to beat the Aviva Premiership drop with the livewire number nine impressing once again at the end of the month.

Hougaard said: "I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me. It's always nice to be recognised by the fans.

"I'm really enjoying my rugby and hopefully we can push on and finish the season strongly."

The 29-year-old South African picked up 30 per cent of the votes ahead of second-placed Chris Vui (15 per cent) and third-placed Josh Adams (14 per cent).

Warriors host fifth-placed Bath at Sixways in the league on Saturday (3pm).