Van Heerden to leave Saracens

South African flanker Wikus van Heerden will leave Saracens at the end of this season for family reasons.

The 30-year-old, who has captained Saracens on several occasions, said: "This is purely a personal decision. From a rugby point of view, I have never been happier at any stage of my career.

"Saracens is now a fantastically well-run club with a very bright future, and I wish I was able to stay and be a part of that future. For the next five months, I am 100% focused on ensuring we finish this special season with at least one trophy."

Saracens rugby director Brendan Venter added: "Wikus wishes to return to South Africa for the sake of his family, and we accept his wishes.

"He is a formidable loose forward who has represented the club with distinction over the past couple of seasons."