The Vodacom Blues’ top points-scorer in Super Rugby and a double Currie Cup winner with the Blue Bulls, Hougaard has played eight Tests for his country.

The 25-year-old, who kicked the winning conversion in the dying stages of the 2007 Super 14 final, follows then Blues head coach Heyneke Meyer to Welford Road.

Tigers chief executive Peter Wheeler said: “We were very impressed by his performances during the last year and we believe he still has many great years ahead of him.

"Derick is only 25 and he has not realised his full potential yet. He has a very good working relationship with Heyneke and I hope we can help him to maximise his potential as a player.”

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

"I am looking forward to working with Heyneke. He has the ability to get the best out of a player and he has had an enormous positive influence on my career."