Saracens’ England international lock Mouritz Botha is to leave the Premiership club and join South African Super Rugby franchise The Sharks.
Saracens said they had “reluctantly released” the 32-year-old South Africa-born Botha, who will join the Durban-based Sharks from January 1.
“Mouritz has been a massive part of our squad and our culture for the past five-and-a-half seasons, and we are very sorry to see him leave,” Saracens rugby director Mark McCall said.
“However, this is a great opportunity to play for one of the top teams in Super Rugby, and we wish him well.”
Botha joined Saracens from Bedford Blues in 2009, and played 142 matches for the club.
He won 10 caps, the last of which was against South Africa in November 2012.
“Saracens will always be important to me, and it’s difficult to leave so many friends in what remains a unique sporting environment, but the Sharks are trying to build something special in Durban,” said Botha.
“This will be a great rugby challenge for me, and a great adventure for my young family.”