A seasoned Springbok and former Vodacom Bulls playmaker will continue his career abroad after putting pen to paper on a long-term deal with English giants Saracens.
Veteran scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl, who has made over 90 appearances for the six-time Premiership champions, has signed a three-year extension at StoneX Stadium.
The 29-year-old joined Saracens four years ago after playing more than 100 games for the Bulls between 2015 and 2021. Since arriving in North London, the six-Test Van Zyl has become a key player at the club.
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He featured prominently in their 2022-23 league title-winning campaign, and captained the team in Maro Itoje’s absence this season.
“This is home for us away from South Africa, and I’m grateful to extend my time with Sarries,” Van Zyl told the club’s website. “It’s been an honour to captain the side, and I look forward to giving my all in a Saracens shirt.”
Director of rugby Mark McCall added: “He is a great competitor and an outstanding teammate.
“He sets a wonderful example with the consistency and level of his preparation.”
Our number nine is going nowhere 🔒#YourSaracens💫 pic.twitter.com/LqzwQIGxTK
— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) March 7, 2025
“𝙄 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢!”
We love having you, @IvanVanZyl1 🫶#YourSaracens💫 pic.twitter.com/vGowk1Oj7B
— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) March 7, 2025
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images