Barritt can also play at fly-half

Saracens have signed South African centre Brad Barritt on a three-year deal from Durban-based Sharks.

The 21-year-old, who will join the club in November after the Currie Cup, follows compatriot, World Cup winning flanker Wikus van Heerden to the club.

Saracens director of rugby Eddie Jones said: "Bradley's an exciting player and we're delighted he's joining Saracens.

"He's a talented footballer who can control games but he also has a physical edge to his game."

Last year's Heineken Cup semi-finalists have bolstered their squad over the summer with the arrivals of England lock Steve Borthwick and Wales' versatile forward Michael Owen, among others.

This is a unique opportunity for me as a young player to grow and improve by playing in different conditions Brad Barritt

"He won't be joining us until the conclusion of the Currie Cup but his arrival will add significant strength in depth to the squad."

Barritt, who has made 58 appearances for the Sharks and can also play at fly-half, told Sharks' website that the chance to play in England was a "unique opportunity" to broaden his horizons.

"I want to emphasise the point that I am not turning my back on the Sharks or Springbok rugby," said Barritt, who will be 22 on Friday.

"This is a unique opportunity for me as a young player to grow and improve by playing in different conditions."

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"He is an outstanding Super 14 player, a good guy with great leadership qualities, but we are not going to hold him back.

"He could even be back in a few years to play for us. He is still young enough to return to us and become a very valuable member for the Sharks."