England international lock Mouritz Botha is to leave Saracens and join South African Super Rugby franchise The Sharks.
Saracens confirmed they had "reluctantly released" the 32-year-old, who will join the Durban-based Sharks with effect from January 1.
"Mouritz has been a massive part of our squad and our culture for the past five-and-a-half seasons, and we are very sorry to see him leave," said Saracens rugby director Mark McCall.
"However, this is a great opportunity to play for one of the top teams in Super Rugby, and we wish him well."
South Africa-born Botha made the move to Saracens from Bedford in 2009 and has played 142 times for last season’s beaten Aviva Premiership play-off finalists.
Botha qualified to play for England on residency and made his Test debut as a replacement against 2011 World Cup warm-up opponents Wales at Twickenham.
He went on to start every game of England's 2012 Six Nations campaign and has won 10 caps in total, the last of which came against South Africa in November 2012.
"Saracens will always be important to me, and it's difficult to leave so many friends in what remains a unique sporting environment,” said Botha.
"But the Sharks are trying to build something special in Durban. This will be a great rugby challenge for me, and a great adventure for my young family."
Watch Sale v Saracens in the European Rugby Champions Cup on Saturday. Coverage of the Pool 1 clash begins on Sky Sports 2 HD at 12:30pm.