Retiring Saracens hooker John Smit will captain Saracens in his final match against the South African Barbarians at the Honourable Artillery Company on Thursday.
Smit is hanging up his boots to take up the post of chief executive of his former club The Sharks in the summer after an illustrious playing career that included 111 appearances for the Springboks.
Smit told the club website: “A match between Saracens and the South African Barbarians is a fitting conclusion to my career.
"The South African Barbarians will have a number of young players in their team and it’s an opportunity for them to showcase their talents on the European stage.”
He added: “It’s quite emotional to consider that something that has been at the very centre of my life for so long is suddenly about to end, but my family and I are looking forward to going back to Durban and the new challenge that is waiting for me at The Sharks.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here