London - South African flanker Wikus van Heerden has confirmed he will leave English Premiership club Saracens at the end of this season.
Van Heerden wants to leave for family reasons and Saracens have agreed to his request.
The 30-year-old has captained Saracens on several occasions and been a major force in their impressive form this season.
He 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 percent focused on ensuring we finish this special season with at least one trophy."
Saracens rugby director Brendan Venter added: "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."