Springbok scrumhalf Francois Hougaard has retired from international rugby with immediate effect.

The 30-year-old, who plays for the Worcester Warriors in England, won 46 Test caps after making his debut against Italy in 2009.

‘It is a major boost for us that he has made that decision because it means he won’t be going away for international duty,’ said Warriors director of rugby Alan Solomons. ‘Francois had mentioned retiring from international duty and that’s his decision at the end of the day.’

‘I think Francois has got to the stage in his career where he is very happy and I know he is contemplating focusing the rest of his career at Worcester. He loves the club and wants to play his rugby here.’

Hougaard recently signed a new contract that will keep him at the Worcester Warriors until 2021.

Photo: Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images