Jack won 57 caps for the All Blacks before quitting international rugby

Saracens second-row Chris Jack has been ruled out until Christmas after sustaining knee ligament damage.

The former New Zealand international, 30, was injured during the second half of the club's European Challenge Cup victory over Viadana on Saturday.

He is expected to be on the sidelines for between six and eight weeks.

Director of rugby Eddie Jones said: "The news about Chris Jack is very disappointing, but it's just something we have to deal with."

The loss of Jack has been tempered by confirmation that summer signing South African loose-forward Wikus Van Heerden will join up with the club on Tuesday after playing for the Blue Bulls in Saturday's Currie Cup final against the Sharks.

He is set to be joined by centre Brad Barritt, who is in the Sharks' squad for the Durban clash.

Saracens' third late arrival, centre Ben Jacobs, flew in from Australia on Tuesday and could be ready to face Bristol in the EDF Energy Cup on 1 November.

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