Saracens Centurion Drops Emotional Farewell As He Heads Back To SA

The Sharks have revealed the replacement for Grant Williams, who is set to leave for a stint in Japan.

Williams will leave the Sharks after the end of his contract, which led the Sharks to quickly find a replacement.

The Durban-based side confirmed that former Bulls scrum-half Ivan van Zyl will wear the number nine jersey after returning to his home country from Saracens.

Van Zyl, 30, made 134 appearances for the English Premiership club after joining from the Bulls at the start of the 2020/21 season.

The scrum-half scored a decisive try two seasons later at Twickenham Stadium as Saracens defeated Sale Sharks to lift the Gallagher Premiership title.

Since then, he has captained the club on numerous occasions in both the Gallagher Premiership and the Investec Champions Cup, reaching 100 caps last season against Bath Rugby.

A Springbok with six Test caps, Van Zyl made his debut against Wales national rugby union team in Washington, D.C. on 2 June 2018 at the age of 22, in Rassie Erasmus’ first match in charge during his first stint as head coach.

“Looking at the last five years as a whole, it hasn’t always been easy, but it has been worth it,” said Van Zyl.

“Becoming a centurion for this great club, winning the Premiership, and captaining the side on occasion are things I am incredibly proud of.

“For my family and me, Saracens will always hold a special place in our hearts. I leave with no regrets and a peaceful heart, knowing I gave everything I had to this club and its people during my time here.

“I want to thank my wife for sacrificing so much so that I could play for this club. This will always be Olivia’s first home and the first team she saw her dad play for. Thank you!”

Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall thanked the Springbok for his contribution to the club.

“Ivan has been an integral part of the squad since joining the club in 2021. From scoring tries in Premiership finals to captaining the side on numerous occasions, he has consistently led by example both on and off the field.

“His commitment to the club and the standards he set every day made a huge impact across the group, and we thank him for everything he contributed during his time here.

“Everyone at the club wishes Ivan and his family all the very best as they return to South Africa.”