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Springboks flanker Heinrich Brussow to join Northampton Saints

Springboks flanker Heinrich Brussow who will join Northampton Saints in 2018
Image: Heinrich Brussow will join Northampton in January

Northampton Saints have announced the signing of South Africa international Heinrich Brussow.

The 31-year-old flanker, who has won 23 caps for the Springboks and starred in their 2009 series win over the British and Irish Lions, will move to Franklin's Gardens in January.

Brussow represented the Cheetahs in Super Rugby and between 2013 and 2015 he played jointly for the Bloemfontein club and Japan's Docomo Red Hurricanes.

For the past two seasons he has played solely in Japan and is now looking forward to testing himself in the Aviva Premiership.

"I feel humbled to be afforded the opportunity to join a club with such a rich history and traditions," said Brussow.

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"Franklin's Gardens is one of those special places you hear some of the best players in the world talk about and the thought of representing a team like Northampton Saints is something that excites me immensely.

"I am looking forward to learning from new coaches, team-mates and getting know and experience everything Northampton has to offer.

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"The reputation of the Saints as a team speaks for itself and I want to play my best possible rugby and hopefully contribute to winning a few trophies."

 Luther Burrell is tackled by George Ford (R)  and Matt Toomua of Leicester
Image: Northampton registered their first win of the season against Leicester last Saturday

Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder believes Brussow will help fill the void left by Louis Picamoles, who joined Montpellier this summer.

"Heinrich has shown his class year in, year out, and we're delighted that he has decided to join us," he said.

"He has plenty of experience and our younger players will learn a lot from him, especially from his play at the breakdown.

"After the sudden departure of Louis Picamoles we have been looking for the right player to add to our squad, both in terms of quality, experience and character, and we believe that Heinrich is the right person to bring to Franklin's Gardens.

"We're looking forward to him joining us later in the season."

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