SCRUM-HALF Francois Hougaard will be returning to his native South Africa later this month to stake his claim for Springboks selection.

The 29-year-old will be taking part in fitness tests and training camps leading up to the Springboks’ Test series with France next month.

Hougaard will be keen to end his Aviva Premiership season with Worcester Warriors on a high when they host fourth-placed Leicester Tigers at Sixways on Saturday (4pm).

“I will be going back to South Africa around May 17,” said Hougaard.

“I’ve got the Springbok camp on the 21st and I will be training three or four days in South Africa before the fitness tests.

“We’ve got a final camp which leads into the June series against France so there will be no time off for me.”

Last month, Warriors director of rugby Gary Gold said there was a ‘distinct possibility’ Hougaard could miss for the first half of Warriors’ campaign next season.

Hougaard reignited his international career in the 15-a-side game last year having not featured since a match against Wales in Cardiff in November 2014.

South Africa have home Tests against France in June (10, 17 and 24) as a warm-up for the Rugby Championship, which also features Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand.

The tournament kicks off on August 19 with Australia hosting reigning champions New Zealand and South Africa entertaining Argentina.

The competition will run for eight weeks, ending on October 7 when New Zealand visit South Africa.

The Springboks then arrive in Europe with matches against Ireland (November 11), France (November 18), Italy (November 25) and Wales (December 2).

Hougaard said: “It’s a massive privilege to be in the national squad and represent your country.

"I am looking forward to the challenge. I love the pressure which comes along with it and turning it into a positive.”

Last autumn, Hougaard returned to Warriors after international duty with with an undiagnosed shoulder problem.

He needed surgery to repair the damage and eventually returned to action in Warriors’ Anglo-Welsh Cup match against Cardiff Blues at the beginning of February.

Ironically, Hougaard’s comeback coincided with Gold’s first match in charge at Worcester.

And Hougaard admitted he was pleased the former South Africa assistant coach had committed at least another season to Sixways.

“Gary has given us good direction,” said Hougaard.

“It’s pretty simple what Gary asks of us and you always know where you stand with him.

“Every player knows the plan and what he expects and everyone is glad he is staying.

“I really enjoy working with Gary and I am happy he’s staying.

"I am looking forward to working with him for another season or two.”