Stormers lock Van Zyl moves to Premiership

Saracens have made their second signing in a week. Just days after picking up Samoan prop Hisa Sasagi they’ve moved to bolster their forward ranks once again.

This time they’ve brought in a lock to cover for Maro Itoje and George Kruis while they’re away on England duty, along with a busy fixture period in December.

Saracens face Worcester in the Premiership Rugby Cup this week before returning to Gallagher Premiership action on November 17th against Sale and also play Leicester Tigers during the international window. That’s all followed by five games in December.

As a result Stormers and Western Province player Chris van Zyl is joining 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.

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Last Friday Saracens announced the signing of 125kg Samoan tighthead prop Sasagi on a short-term deal.

The 31-year-old arrived from New Zealand provincial side Otago.

Sasagi established himself as a regular starter in the ITM Cup in 2015, helping Otago reach the Championship semi-finals before being selected as a member of the Hurricanes wider training group ahead of the 2016 Super Rugby season.

The Samoa international will remain at Allianz Park until the end of January 2019.

Sasagi made his international debut in 2016 and has four caps to his name.

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