WORCESTER Warriors left themselves “behind the black ball” when scrum-half Francois Hougaard was away on international duty, according to director of rugby Gary Gold.

But Gold believes new signing Peter Stringer has the “leadership” qualities to keep Warriors on track during Hougaard’s absence.

Ex-Ireland star Stringer has signed for Worcester on a six-month deal as cover for Hougaard who is expected to represent South Africa in the Rugby Championship which runs from August 19 until October 7.

The 29-year-old has made a huge impact since arriving at Warriors in February 2016, helping to steer the club to safety in the last two seasons.

But Warriors have struggled without him which led Gold to sign 39-year-old Stringer who he feels will be a “like-for-like” replacement.

“We feel the club were a little behind the black ball when Francois wasn’t here last year,” Gold said.

“We were looking for a very good rugby player who could also add something else to our cause which was that leadership and experience that Francois, who has played 40-odd Test matches, brings.

“That’s why it was a like-for-like because it was a short-term suggestion.

“That was a critical element in why Strings was going to be such an important acquisition for us over this period of time.”

Stringer has a wealth of experience having made 230 appearances for Munster where he won three Celtic League titles and captured the Heineken Cup twice.

He has also featured in 98 Tests for Ireland, winning a Grand Slam and three Triple Crowns as well as playing in two World Cups.

Gold has previously worked with Stringer when he was in charge of Newcastle Falcons and Bath.

“It was fortuitous that Strings was around,” Gold said. “He is still in great shape.

“He was tested like every other player who joins the club and passed with flying colours so it is a bit of a coup for us.

“It is another experienced voice in the group and it is another guy who I have worked with at Bath before so I know him very well as a person.

“He is a fantastic individual, especially around the youngsters. Even if he doesn’t get to play he will add tremendous value to us.

“We would probably not have brought anybody in if there wasn’t somebody who fitted that profile.

“It wasn’t just a nine we wanted. We needed somebody who could try and do what François can do and that’s not necessarily on the field, that’s off it as well.”

Stringer will fight it out with Jonny Arr, Michael Dowsett and Luke Baldwin for the number nine jersey as Warriors gear up for their Aviva Premiership opener at Newcastle Falcons on Friday, September 1.

“It is critically important we still show support to the nines that were already here,” Gold added.

“Luke has trained unbelievably well and Jonny has come back from an injury and is doing really nicely.

“Mikey is coming back from a bit of a medical setback but he is doing nicely as well.”