Saracens sign van Heerden
World Cup winner to move to the Premiership
Last updated: 16th May 2008
Van Heerden: Moving to Saracens
Related links
Teams
Players
Also see
Saracens are set to complete the signing of Springbok flanker Wikus van Heerden from the Bulls.
Van Heerden, who joins fellow Boks Neil de Kock, Brent Russell and Cobus Visagie at Vicarage Road, will arrive in England when his current deal with the South African outfit ends in November.
Van Heerden joined the Bulls on a two-year deal from the Lions in 2006, but although the club attempted to keep him at Loftus Versfeld his intention was always to head to Europe at the end of his contract.
His form saw him play a part in South Africa's 2007 World Cup-winning campaign in France.
The Bulls' communication manager Ian Schwartz told the club's website: "When he signed with us at the end of 2006, he indicated that he wanted to play for the Bulls for two years after which he would like to further his career in Europe.
"Therefore, we contracted Jacques Burger in 2007 knowing that they will be able to play alongside one another in this year's Currie Cup.
"We did, however, try to keep Wikus at Loftus Versfeld.
"He was awe-inspiring in 2007 and is one of a handful of players who has a Super 14 as well as a World Cup medal. He continued his good form in 2008's Super 14 and it will be very difficult for the national selectors to ignore him.
"Wikus is an unbelievable team player, leader, thinker and the perfect example for younger players as to what it means to be professional.
"We wish him all the best for the future and we know that success will be inevitable at Saracens. Our loss is their gain."
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Super 14 | |
| Saturday 31st May | |
| Crusaders 20 - 12 Waratahs | |
| Saturday 24th May | |
| Waratahs 28 - 13 Sharks | |
| Crusaders 33 - 22 Hurricanes | |
Super 14 Top 6
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crusaders | 12 | 52 |
| 2 | Hurricanes | 13 | 41 |
| 3 | Blues | 13 | 40 |
| 4 | NSW Waratahs | 12 | 39 |
| 5 | Stormers | 12 | 37 |
| 6 | Sharks | 12 | 37 |
Features
Slick Rik
Join the Sky Sports Debate on the inclusion of Riki Flutey in the England elite squad.
Tri-Nations 2008
The full fixture schedule for the 2008 Tri-Nations series as New Zealand look to defend their title.
Fronting up
Miles Harrison on the new England backline and whether they can square the series with New Zealand.
Experts & Blogs
Latest Super 14 News
NZRU 'no' to Hansen
All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen has had his application to lead the Canterbury Crusaders turned down by the NZRU.
Smit agrees to return home
South Africa captain John Smit is to return home after agreeing a two-year deal with the Sharks.
Lam handed Blues role
Former Samoa and New Zealand No.8 Pat Lam has been appointed as the new coach of the Auckland Blues.
Injury blow for Leonard
All Blacks and Chiefs scrum-half Brendon Leonard will be out of action for six months after having surgery on his knee.
Reds lure Davies back
Queensland Reds have launched a cross-code raid to sign Rod Davies from Brisbane Broncos.
Comments
Liam Connelly says...
eddie jones shows us again what a world class director of rugby he really is. His contacts and knoledge are immense. Immpressive signing
Posted 16:44 18th June 2008
Cameron Martin says...
It is a HUGE loss for SA rugby, but going on the impact made by Brent Russel and Neil de Kock, Wickus is set to really end a magic career with a some great performances with saracens. I wish him the best of luck! What a signing for Sarry's!
Posted 16:25 17th May 2008
Michael Jennings says...
Saracen's formidable pack-building regime remains in tact!
Posted 12:14 16th May 2008
Add Comment*
All fields are required