Springbok hooker Schalk Brits will join Saracens next season.
The 27-year-old currently has three international caps to his name and could yet play a part in the forthcoming Lions tour of South Africa.
Brits is currently behind both Bismarck du Plessis and John Smit for the Springboks‘ hooking berth, although a sizeable section of South African supporters believe the Stormers’ star should wear the No2 shirt against Ian McGeechan’s tourists next month.
Having been selected in the Barbarians squad for the game against England at Twickenham on May 30 (as well as the clash with Australia in Sydney on June 6), Brits will soon have the perfect opportunity to show Saracens fans exactly what they can expect next season.
The capture of Brits is the latest to involve a South African flavour as far as Sarries are concerned.
Former Bok centre Brendan Venter was named as the incoming director of rugby at Vicarage Road, while fellow South African front rower Ethienne Reynecke will also be a Saracen for the 2009/10 campaign.
After securing the signature of Xerox Lions hooker Reynecke last week, Venter views the signing of Brits as a major step forward for his new club.
"Schalk is a world class player right in his prime, and he has the X-factor that can turn a game in an instant,” said Venter.
”He has fantastic skills and it’s no surprise that many major European clubs have been trying to sign him. We are delighted he has chosen to play his rugby at Saracens."
