Springbok Damian Willemse is set to join defending Gallagher Premiership champions and Heineken Champions Cup winners Saracens on a short term deal.
The Western Province and Stormers star will make a short-term move to Allianz Park as cover for the World Cup if he fails to earn a place in South Africa’s squad for the tournament in Japan.
Western Province coach John Dobson told supersport.com: “If he doesn’t go to the World Cup, Damian could have an opportunity to go to Saracens on a short-term loan. If that does come about it will be a good thing for him as he can learn a lot through a short stint in the UK.
Hearing Edinburgh have missed out on the loan signing of highly-rated South Africa fly-half/full-back, Damian Willemse. Understand he was poised to sign a three-month loan deal from WP/Stormers but has opted instead to pursue a similar move to Saracens. pic.twitter.com/ZCr75tjccD
— Jamie Lyall (@JLyall93) August 29, 2019
“Saracens, as you know, have a very good kicking game. If he goes there he will learn a lot about the game management that is expected of fly-half and he will come back better equipped to do well for us in Super Rugby.
“Our WP captain Chris van Zyl played for Saracens last year, enjoyed it and learnt a lot from the experience and was then back to take part in our pre-season.”