Hougaard worked with Heyneke Meyer in South Africa

New Leicester coach Heyneke Meyer has raided his old club by signing fly-half Derick Hougaard from the Blue Bulls.

The 25-year-old Springbok international will challenge fellow newcomer Toby Flood for the number 10 shirt following Andy Goode's departure for Brive.

Hougaard said: "I think this is a great chance to test myself against the best players in the northern hemisphere."

"I hope we can help him maximise his potential as a player," added Tigers chief executive Peter Wheeler.

"We were very impressed by his performances during the last year and we believe he still has many great years ahead of him."

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He also has 69 international points to his name in eight matches for South Africa, having made his debut in the 2003 World Cup.

"I am looking forward to working with Heyneke," added Hougaard.

"He has the ability to get the best out of a player and he has had an enormous positive influence on my career."