Saracens are set to complete the signing of Springbok flanker Wikus van Heerden from the Bulls.
World Cup winner to move to the Premiership
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."
