Kruger has played 53 times for Saints, scoring three tries

Departing Northampton lock Juandre Kruger believes the team will bounce back after losing their Premiership semi-final against Saracens on Sunday.

The 24-year-old will rejoin Super 14 side Bulls in his native South Africa after playing his last Saints match in the 19-21 defeat at Franklin's Gardens.

He told BBC Radio Northampton: "They're gutted but they are a positive group.

"They've a lot to look forward to as long as they learn from these mistakes as a team."

The South African joined Saints in 2008, but has made the decision to return to his homeland in order to push for international rugby with the Springboks.

"I'm going to miss the set-up here, with a great bunch of coaches and players," Kruger added.

"It's just a disappointing ending. It's not been a fairytale season, but we were the only English team in the Heineken Cup quarter-final, which is brilliant.

"We've won one cup this season, and that's positive."

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