Mouritz Botha: Saracens lock to join South Africa's Sharks

Botha was a member of the England team that won the 2011 Six Nations, playing in all five games

England lock Mouritz Botha is leaving Saracens to join the Durban-based Sharks in South Africa.

Saracens have "reluctantly" agreed to release Botha, 32, who will formally sign for his new club on 1 January.

"Mouritz has been a massive part of our squad and our culture and we are very sorry to see him leave," said director of rugby Mark McCall.

"However, this is a great opportunity to play for one of the top teams in the Super 15."

South Africa-born Botha, who won 10 England caps between 2011 and 2012, has been with Sarries for five-and-a-half years, making 142 appearances since arriving from Bedford Blues in 2009.

He said: "Saracens will always be important to me and it's difficult to leave so many friends in what remains a unique sporting environment.

"But the Sharks are trying to build something special in Durban. This will be a great rugby challenge for me and a great adventure for my young family."