CAPE TOWN – Western Province captain Chris van Zyl has signed a short-term deal to join English club Saracens during the end-of-year internationals.
Van Zyl once again proved to be an instrumental figure for Province during this year’s Currie Cup as he led the team through to a home final against the Sharks.
It’s this form that seems to have caught the attention of Saracens, who have drafted the South African lock into their system as cover for England duo Maro Itoje and George Kruis.
Saracens are well known as a club that serves as a home away from home for numerous South African players, and they will now look to rely on the experience of the 32-year-old Van Zyl.
Van Zyl made the move to Cape Town from the Lions in 2015, and besides establishing himself as the WP Currie Cup captain, he also skippered the team in the absence of Siya Kolisi during Super Rugby earlier this year.
He will be made welcome by current and former South Africans at the club, including Schalk Burger, Michael Rhodes and Brad Barritt.
✍️ | South African lock Chris van Zyl has signed for Saracens as second row cover. ⚫️🔴
— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) November 5, 2018