Springboks international Eben Etzebeth set to join Saracens on a short-term deal

South Africa international Eben Etzebeth is likely to join the Aviva Premiership reigning champions Saracens on a short-term deal.

The 24-year-old lock will make a move to England following Springboks' November Tests and is believed to join Mark McCall's men for a two-month stint according to sources.

Etzebeth made his debut for South Africa in 2012 and in the last four years, he has made 53 appearances for his country which also includes seven World Cup games.

The former South Africa Under 20 is currently part of the Super Rugby side Stormers and also played for Docomo Red Hurricanes in the Japanese Top League for three months. He was also nominated for IRB Player of the Year in 2013.

Saracens are still in search of a replacement for their former captain Alistair Hargreaves, who was forced into retirement with injury and Etzebeth's signing, provided it is approved by South Africa Rugby will add more buffer to the squad which already has Michael Rhodes and Schalk Burger from South Africa.

Saracens are currently topping the ongoing season of the Aviva Premiership with five wins from six games as they look to defend their double titles of Premiership Rugby and European Champions Cup this season.