Schalk Brits confirms next move

Schalk Brits has finally ended his search for a new club.

Brits was due to retire following Saracens Premiership success last May, it was his fourth league title with the club, to go with the two Champions Cup medals he also won under Mark McCall at Sarries.

But a call from Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus, forced a change of heart and he returned for the June series against England.

Now he's signed on the dotted line with the Stormers for next season.

"I'm definitely not here for the money. I want to add value on and off the field." he told Netwerk 24.

The 37-year-old will have to vie with fellow Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi and Scarra Ntubeni for the Stormers number 2 jersey.

In the meantime has been selected to play for the Barbarians in their Killik Cup match against Argentina on December 1st at Twickenham.

The ultimate goal is the World Cup in Japan next year and speaking in the aftermath of his Barbarians selection he said “I missed rugby so much I’ve changed my mind,” Brits told the Barbarians website.

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“I got a call from Rassie with reference to keep being involved until the next World Cup. After the June tests I still want to keep on playing and I’ve postponed work and my studies until after then,” Brits said.

“A friend said to me recently, ‘what’s the difference between being 37 and 38?’ It’s a fantastic opportunity and an honour whenever you play for the Springboks so I’ll be trying to stay in contention.

“I’ve been staying on top of things and I’m in better nick than when I was playing. You get the chance to rehabilitate properly and I’m feeling fantastic and can’t wait to play again. I enjoyed playing against England at Newlands but we lost that Test so I hope the next time will bring a better result.”

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