Saracens sign Springbok flanker

Saracens have signed South Africa's World Cup-winning flanker Wikus van Heerden from Super 14 side the Bulls.

The 29-year-old, who could fill the vacancy created by Richard Hill's retirement, will join on a three-year deal in November.

The 6ft 4in forward has won 14 caps and was on the bench when the Springboks won the World Cup final in 2007.

Director of rugby Eddie Jones told the club website: "He's a player who leads by example, on and off the pitch."

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Jones added: "He also has the ability to play in a number of different positions and having worked with him during the World Cup, I know his high work-rate, knowledge, physical approach to the game and ability to lead from the front will make him a real asset to the club."

Van Heerden looks set to fill the void left by the recently retired Hill and joins Wales forward Michael Owen and England captain Steve Borthwick as new additions to the Saracens pack next season.

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