COBUS VISAGIE will make his return after two months out with a groin injury against Harlequins tonight (Friday, November 12) buoyed after signing a new contract that will see the Springbok finish his career at Vicarage Road.

The 31-year-old, lauded as the best tight-head prop in the world, has signed a one-year extension to his current 18-month deal which was due to expire in the summer.

"I love the progression that's been happening at the club and also the responsibility that I'm given so I'm going to stay on the train," said the former Stormers front-rower.

"I'm probably going to finish my rugby career here. I'm still thinking about it, but next season will probably be my last. I came here to give it a good last go and I think I'm am playing as well as I have."

One of the reasons Visagie decided to join Sarries last year was the chance to play an active role in the development of the club's young props and admitted he is considering a move into coaching after he hangs up his boots.

"I'll have to see how things progress. I think Dimes (Steve Diamond) is a great coach and before he came I thought about it. But I'm going to do a level three coaching course and see how things progress. I would definitely like to leave something behind in the country in terms of coaching."

Visagie has certainly made an impression on Ben Broster, the 22-year-old who has been earning rave reviews during the Springbok's injury-lay off.

"I'm responsible for the scrum so it is really pleasing for me to see him do really well. He's definitely the best young tight-head prop in England at the moment so I'm very proud of the way he has been scrummaging and giving good possession to the team."

Visagie, though, remains the cornerstone of the team and his return will be welcomed with open arms.

"Every time things start looking good and we get momentum I get injured," said Visagie, who missed seven matches last season with a back injury. "I came here to do well for the team and when I get injured it has an impact on the team. In that sense it is very frustrating. I get very agitated when I am out so it is good to come back.

"I'll probably not start the game on Friday but I'm really looking forward to getting out on the pitch again. Rehab is never very exciting."

Friday night's clash at the Stoop also marks a reunion for Visagie with his former Springbok team-mate Andre Vos.

"I know him very well and I expect him to be very early at the breakdowns. I really feel for them (Quins) at the moment but unfortunately for them we need to go and take the points from them as we have lost some home games that we had targeted to win."

One of those defeats came against Leeds, a result that still rankles with Kafer and one that came after the ill-fated trip to Sale where Sarries not only witnessed their unbeaten start to the season grind to halt but also saw Simon Raiwalui, Iain Fullarton, Mark Bartholomeusz and Visagie pick up severe injuries.

"The fact that four players got injured in the same game had a big impact on our season," acknowledged the prop, "and we are keen to get our season back on track again "I feel we are not that far off the pace at the moment and I'm very excited. It's an unfinished project but there is nothing stale or regressive about the way we are playing.

"There is a lot of competition at the moment. We have got two back-lines and two packs training against each other at the moment and I think that will lift our game."

Visagie's injury (a grade three groin tear) not only hit Sarries hard but also denied him a chance to add to his 29 international caps, the last of which he won against Argentina in June last year. Asked if still harbours ambitions of donning the green and gold jersey once more, Visagie replied: "I would still like to be acknowledge as the best tight-head prop in the country. If the opportunity comes my way then great. If the Springboks were in need of a tight-head prop then I am available. Obviously they will look in South African first but there has been a bit of an outcry in South African for me to play, but then I got injured which was very disappointing for me.

"A lot of people play for one coach but I think if you can play for four or five coaches in row then I think it does say a lot about your form and ability."