Chris van Zyl signs for Saracens

Saracens have confirmed that Stormers and Western Province lock Chris van Zyl has signed for the club on a short-term deal.

Born in Cape Town, van Zyl didn’t start his professional career in the traditional way, studying a degree in chartered accountancy whilst playing Varsity Cup rugby.

Following the completion of his studies, the South African needed to complete several articles in Johannesburg and juggled them with playing for the Golden Lions.

In 2015, he headed back home to link-up with the Stormers and has gone on to captain both the Super Rugby franchise and WP.

The 32-year-old will provide cover in the second row during the autumn internationals whilst Maro Itoje and George Kruis are away with England.