Saracens have moved to sign up highly-rated South African centre Brad Barritt on a three-year deal.
Talented South African centre agrees three-year deal
Saracens have moved to sign up highly-rated South African centre Brad Barritt on a three-year deal.
The 22-year-old, who can also play at fly-half, has been capped 58 times by the Sharks - and was appointed vice-captain for the Currie Cup campaign.
Barritt did have another year left on his current deal, however the Sharks have agreed to let him leave at the end of the year to continue his development.
"From a team perspective, losing Brad is a big blow for all of us," Sharks coach John Plumtree told the club's official website.
"He is an outstanding Super 14 player, a good guy with great leadership qualities but we are not going to hold him back. He could even be back in a few years to play for us.
"He is still young enough to return to us and become a very valuable member for the Sharks.
Opportunity
"We are going to miss him and we all wish him well."
Barritt, who will use his time in England to complete his business degree, admitted it would be difficult to leave the Sharks - but he was relishing the chance to play for Sarries, particularly after meeting with director of rugby Eddie Jones.
"This is nothing to do with the Sharks," said Barritt.
"I wouldn't consider another option in South Africa, the Sharks is my home, where I grew up, but this is a unique opportunity as a young guy to broaden my horizons.
"I want to emphasise the point that I am not turning my back on the Sharks or Springbok rugby. This is a unique opportunity for me as a young player to grow and improve by playing in different conditions.
"It's a nice opportunity to finish my degree overseas, it's encouraged over there.
"Eddie Jones and I had good chat, and we agree that experiencing rugby from a different perspective may help me grow and improve as a player.
"I also see it as the chance to grow as a person away from my comfort zone."
