Schalk Brits joins Saracens

Star turn: Sarries beat off competition from top clubs to sign Schalk Brits

13 April 2012

Saracens have signed Springboks hooker Schalk Brits — a day after Brendan Venter denied there would be an influx of South African arrivals at the club.

The 27-year-old from Cape Town-based Super 14 side The Stormers is the third South African to sign for next season along with Frik Venter and Ethienne Reynecke.

New director of rugby Venter said: "Schalk is a world-class player and has the X-factor that can turn a game. He has fantastic skills and it is no surprise that many major European clubs have been trying to sign him."

Venter yesterday insisted the South-African owned club would not be dominated by his compatriots, pointing out that signings already include English trio Michael Horak, Richard Skuse and Kevin Barrett.

Meanwhile, London Wasps are set to appoint Tony Hanks as their director of rugby this week.

The Waikato coach coach spent four months at Wasps while Ian McGeechan, the club's director of rugby and Lions head coach, was allowed to prepare for this summer's Tests in South Africa.

Wasps have ended McGeechan's contract a year early and next season he will act as a consultant to ambitious London Scottish.