Burger Odendaal to depart Northampton Saints at season's end

Northampton Saints have confirmed that South African centre Burger Odendaal will leave the club at the conclusion of the current season.

The 32-year-old's time at Franklin’s Gardens, though short-lived and injury-plagued, will be remembered for his role in the club’s historic 2024 Premiership triumph.

Odendaal joined Saints in the summer of 2023 but was sidelined for the early part of the season due to injury and only made his debut in December.

Despite limited game time, he made a significant impact in high-stakes fixtures. He scored his first try for the club during the semi-final win over Saracens and started in the Premiership final against Bath at Twickenham — his debut at the iconic stadium — before a serious knee injury forced him off after just 45 minutes.

Reflecting on the brief yet meaningful journey, Odendaal shared, “I am proud of the way I went about all my rehab, trying to do as much as possible and go as hard as possible to get myself back onto the pitch.

"Luckily I managed to play in the final, which was my first game at Twickenham. Unfortunately I only lasted 45 minutes, then I picked up the knee injury. The silver lining is we got the trophy at the end and I got a champions medal. That is something I'll never forget.”

His last appearance for the Saints came against Newcastle Falcons last month, after which he sustained a broken arm in training — another cruel setback in what has been an injury-marred campaign.

Director of Rugby Phil Dowson praised Odendaal’s professionalism and influence on the squad: “Burger has been a legend, and he has just been unlucky.

"He has added some experience and maturity to our group, which we needed. It is so disappointing and frustrating and unfair that he has had this arm break towards the back end of the season, because he is a pivotal player in our group and has been great for the environment.”

Odendaal's departure follows that of fellow forward Temo Mayanavanua, who is set to return to Fiji.