Saracens have agreed to allow Wikus van Heerden to leave the club at the end of the 2009/10 season.
Van Heerden, the former springbok loose forward, 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% focused on ensuring we finish this special season with at least one trophy."
Brendan Venter, Director of Rugby, said: "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."