Francois Hougaard has revealed his desire to play for Saracens again next season.

The 35-year-old former South African international is keen to get another contract with the Hendon-based club.

Hougaard scored a last-minute try in a tight 20-19 success over Bristol Bears at StoneX Stadium in January, his sole appearance in a three-month spell that ended in March.

But the fly-half stayed with the club for rehab to recover from a fractured foot before appearing in a star-studded Barbarians line-up, led by former England coach and Saracens technical advisor Eddie Jones, that beat a World XV 48-42 for the Killik Cup at Twickenham on Sunday.

Recently retired Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones could not convert a try by Fiji’s Setareki Tamanivalu in the game’s final play.

“It was always amazing to play for Barbarians,” said Hougaard.

“It’s a massive honour and a privilege to play amongst and against such amazing players so it was a special day for both us and the World XV players.”

Hougaard played for Pretoria-based outfits Bulls and Blue Bulls before making the move to the UK, with spells at the now disbanded Worcester Warriors and Wasps, and believes Saracens are back to their very best following their fantastic 35-25 Gallagher Premiership title success over Sale Sharks, 24 hours before his appearance on the hallowed Twickenham turf.

“It’s the Sarries way so they’re back on top,” added Hougaard, who has 49 caps for the Springboks.

“I think they’re back at their best and obviously next season is another season so maybe they will go on to win the Heineken Champions Cup.

“I’ve spent eight years at the Bulls at South Africa and that was quite a while ago but Sarries are probably one of the best clubs I’ve ever been to. I was only there for three months but it felt like I’ve been there for years.

"Unbelievable place, the way they treat the players and staff, there’s never any negativity. It’s just the great way they manage people. The enjoyment factor is there, coming into work and wanting to do certain things is something they got spot on. Amazing club, any day of the week I want to stay.”

Hougaard said he felt privileged to play under Jones, 63, who is in his second spell as Australia head coach and returned to RFU headquarters almost six months after his dismissal from the England job.

He revealed he could have worked under Jones when he was in charge for the Cape Town-based Stormers in November but the Australian, who spent three years successfully heading the Japan national team, spent just eight days in the ‘Mother City’ before taking the England role which lasted for seven years.

“I’ve met him a few times and I was going to sign for Stormers in 2015 when I was in Cape Town,” Hougaard added.

“He’s a legend. Always a privilege to play under him and be in the same room as him. I really enjoyed this week.”