Saracens chief-executive-cum-coach, Francois Pienaar confirmed he is to leave the club at the end of the season and return to his native South Africa

After a recent run of poor results, that have seen the club dumped out of the European Shield and the Powergen Cup in successive weeks, followed by a crushing defeat at home to Leicester, Pienaar bowed to mounting pressure on Friday when he announced his decision to leave the club after almost four years in charge.

At a press conference at Saracens' training ground in Bramley Road, Southgate this morning (Monday), Pienaar explained the reasons behind his departure.

"Nigel Wray (Saracens' owner) and I have been discussing it for several weeks, if not months, that I feel a change and a fresh approach is needed," said Pienaar, who joined the club as a player in 1996.

"It's not an easy one because I have grown really fond of the club and I will always have links with the club. I've come to have an unbelievable respect for Nigel and to make the decision was a tough one," conceded the 35-year-old, who admitted one of the major reasons behind his downfall was in his recruitment of players.

Wray, 53, expressed his sadness at the departure of Pienaar, but admitted that it was time for change.

"While I am the first person to say our track record over those five years hasn't been what we would like, the fact is that I've enjoyed the five years with Francois and I can't think of anyone who would have sweated more blood and felt more strongly for Saracens than he has done over the past five seasons and I think he has made a fantastic difference.

"But as Francois said, we feel it's time for a change, we haven't achieved what we would have liked to achieve so we have to move on." said Wray , who revealed that his commitment to the club has not waned.

Pienaar, however, remained very cagey about his future plans:

"I'm going back to South Africa, for the time being at least, and then I'll consider what I really want to do. We've been here for a five-year phenomenal stay after it was only supposed to be a two-year interesting visit."

Managing director, Tim Lawler will take over the role of chief executive.

Read the full interview with Pienaar and Wray in this week's edition of The Watford Observer, Friday February 22.

February 18, 2002 17:00