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Schalk Burger to join Saracens next season

Schalk Burger is relishing the prospect of playing in the Premiership after agreeing to join Saracens from next season
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Premiership champions Saracens have pulled off a coup with the signing of South Africa legend Schalk Burger for the 2016-17 campaign.

Burger is regarded as one the finest flankers to have played the game and was part of the Springboks side that triumphed at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

The 32-year-old has played 86 times for his country and his last appearance came as South Africa beat Argentina to finish third at last year's World Cup.

Burger has penned a two-year deal at Saracens and will link up with his new side after completing a stint in Japan with Suntory Sungoliath and his final season with Stormers in Super Rugby.

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"I'm delighted to be joining Saracens. I'm extremely excited to have the opportunity to play in both the Aviva Premiership and the European Cup, two of the leading competitions in world rugby for such a special club," Burger, who has played at four World Cups, told the club's official website.

"It's an exciting challenge for me and my family and hopefully I can add a lot of value both on and off the field to an already successful group of players and coaches.

"I'm looking forward to playing alongside my new team-mates and playing in front of all the Saracens fans and getting to know everyone at Allianz Park."

Director of rugby Mark McCall added: "Schalk is a Springbok legend and will add a huge amount of experience and quality to our young English pack of forwards at the club.

"We have always talked about having the right blend of experience and youth in our squad, so to be able to add one of the world’s finest players to the group is extremely exciting news."

Burger's return of 14 international tries is the most scored by a South African flanker, while he was named the IRB Player of the Year in 2004.

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