Botha to leave Saracens for Sharks

Editor

England lock Mouritz Botha has been released by Saracens to join The Sharks in South Africa, with effect from January 1, 2015.

Saracens admitted that they were reluctant to let Botha go but the Aviva Premiership club’s director of rugby, Mark McCall wished the player and his family well.

“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,” McCall told Saracens’ official website.

However, this is a great opportunity to play for one of the top teams in the Super XV, and we wish him, Natasha and young Joshua well.”

Botha joined Saracens from Bedford Blues in 2009, has played 142 matches for the club and has also been capped 10 times by England.

The 32-year-old admitted that it wasn’t easy to leave Saracens but is excited to play for the Durban-based franchise – and perhaps please those who bet on sport.

“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.”