Wikus van Heerden will leave Saracens at the end of this season.
The South African flanker has been outstanding for the Men in Black since his arrival last season from the Bulls. The 30-year-old, who has skippered the side several times, has decided to return to his homeland for personal reasons.
Van Heerden said: "This is purely a personal decision. From a rugby point of view I have never been happier at any stage of my career. Saracens is now a fantastically well-run club with a very bright future, and I wish I was able to stay and be a part of that future. For the next five months, I am 100 per cent focused on ensuring we finish this special season with at least one trophy."
Director of rugby Brendan Venter said: "Wikus wishes to return to South Africa for the sake of his family, and we accept his wishes. He is a formidable loose forward who has represented the club with distinction over the past couple of seasons."
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