Former South Africa captain Bobby Skinstad has backed Brendan Venter's clear-out of the current Saracens squad.
Former Springbok captain happy with Saracens takeover
Former Springbok captain Bobby Skinstad has given his backing to the South African takeover of Saracens.
Saracens' new director of rugby Brendan Venter, who played alongside Skinstad in the national team, has already told 12 contracted players they will not be needed next season.
The list of those axed includes veteran All Black lock Chris Jack and club stalwarts Kevin Sorrell and Ben Skirving. Sarries are expected to fill the spaces with signings from South Africa.
Skinstad was part of a failed takeover of Wasps five years ago, led by the same financier who is involved in the current overhaul at Saracens.
The 32-year-old is aware of the controversy the influx of foreign players will create, but believes it is a necessary step in the development of young South African prospects.
Uproar
"There is going to be uproar, but rugby needs it. We got a bit of negative press in South Africa when I was involved, but we are going to have a global season pretty soon," Skinstad said.
"There is incredible talent in South Africa at the youth level and they don't get to play and they should be competing.
"If they are replacing English players I can see why there is a problem, but if they are better than them and it if is a global season, then it is a good thing.
"A lot of these youngsters won't play Super 14 but they have the option to play for one of the home nations through parentage and now they can make a choice which they couldn't do before because you had to stake your claim.
"Super 14 rules are now that you have to be playing in the country of your birth to qualify like Australia have been for a while and there are only one or two exceptions.
"There are a lot of talented guys out there and they will now get the chance which I like."
