South Africa captain John Smit has confirmed he is to retire from international rugby after the World Cup in order to join Saracens.
Springboks skipper agrees two-year deal
South Africa captain John Smit has confirmed he is to retire from international rugby after the World Cup in order to join Saracens.
The experienced Sharks front-rower, who has been capped 102 times, has agreed a two-year deal with the Aviva Premiership champions - ending months of speculation over his future.
And the 33-year-old, who will arrive at Vicarage Road after the World Cup, is relishing the chance to play in the Premiership.
He told the
Daily Telegraph: "I am hoping to make it to the World Cup and have a pretty good shout there and that will be me.
"I have had 11 years with the Boks so I think I have had my fair share and that will allow me to concentrate fully with Saracens, when I link up with them two weeks after my last game [for South Africa], which will hopefully be early part of November.
"My intention is to go Saracens and make a big impact. My body is strong and that is why I have signed for another two seasons. I have been lucky that my body has held up pretty well and I do feel I can make a difference and fufil my role within a team.
"Saracens won the Premiership in dramatic style this season having come close last season and that doesn't happen by accident.
"There have a culture there that is working for them and I believe to defend the Premiership is a sustainable goal. My job is to fit in as fast as possible, earn the respect of the players and immerse myself in the culture."
