Ivan van Zyl to Leave Saracens at End of 2025/26

saracens will lose Ivan van Zyl at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, ending a run that began in the 2020/21 season and took him past 100 appearances for the club. The scrum half will return to South Africa after five years in North London.

Van Zyl's Saracens run

Van Zyl arrived at the start of the 2020/21 campaign and became the first-choice scrum half the following year. He reached 100 appearances for the club against Bath last season, a mark that came after he had already taken on a regular leadership role.

His record with the club includes captaining Saracens on numerous occasions in both the Gallagher PREM and the Investec Champions Cup. He also scored a decisive try at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham when Saracens lifted the Gallagher PREM title against Sale Sharks in the final.

McCall on Ivan van Zyl

Mark McCall said Van Zyl has been an integral part of the squad since joining the club in 2021 and that he has consistently led by example both on and off the field. Saracens also thanked him for everything he contributed during his time at the club.

Van Zyl said, "Looking at the last five years as a whole, it’s not always been easy, but it has been so worth it." He added, "Being a centurion for this great club, winning the Gallagher PREM and captaining this side on the odd occasion is something I am very proud of."

South Africa return

He said, "For me and my family, Saracens will always have a special place in our hearts." Van Zyl also said, "I am leaving here with no regrets and peace in my heart knowing that I gave this place and the people everything I had while I was here."

The move closes the book on a spell that brought more than 100 appearances, a title-winning try and repeated captaincy duties. Saracens now head toward the final year of his contract with one of their most experienced scrum halves set to finish the campaign before heading home.