Van Heerden to join Saracens
by Michelle Fortune, 16 May 2008
Saracens have all but completed the signing of flanker Wikus van Heerden from South African side Bulls.
Van Heerden has always spoken of his desire to move to Europe at the end of his two-year deal with Bulls and he will complete the move once his contract ends in November.
A member of South Africa's 2007 World Cup-winning side, Van Heerden will join Neil de Kock, Brent Russell and Cobus Visagie at Vicarage Road and Bulls' communication manager Ian Schwartz expects the player to make a big impact with the English side.
"When he signed with us at the end of 2006, he indicated that he wanted to play for the Bulls for two years after which he would like to further his career in Europe," Schwartz told the club's website.
"Therefore, we contracted Jacques Burger in 2007 knowing that they will be able to play alongside one another in this year's Currie Cup.
"We did, however, try to keep Wikus at Loftus Versfeld.
"He was awe-inspiring in 2007 and is one of a handful of players who has a Super 14 as well as a World Cup medal. He continued his good form in 2008's Super 14 and it will be very difficult for the national selectors to ignore him.
"Wikus is an unbelievable team player, leader, thinker and the perfect example for younger players as to what it means to be professional.
"We wish him all the best for the future and we know that success will be inevitable at Saracens. Our loss is their gain."