Russell leaves Saracens

Saracens have released former South Africa full-back Brent Russell to join French giants Clermont Auvergne.

The 28-year-old moved to Vicarage Road in August last year, but a broken collar-bone and shoulder ligament damage have restricted him to just 16 appearances for the club.

Russell is yet to appear for the first team this season, and Saracens director of rugby Eddie Jones agreed he could take up the offer of joining Clermont Auvergne immediately.

Jones is confident Saracens have more than enough cover at full-back, with England U-20s international Noah Cato and American Chris Wyles adding to frontline options including Kameli Ratuvou, Richard Haughton and Dan Scarbrough.

Jones explained: “Brent is at the stage of his career where he needs to be playing regular first-team rugby, and we are unable to offer that at this time.

“We have strength in depth across the back three and in the last two weeks we have seen the exciting steps forward that Noah Cato has taken, while Chris Wyles continues to impress following his arrival on secondment from USA Rugby.

“With that in mind, when this opportunity arose for Brent to move to one of the leading clubs in France, we felt it would be wrong to stand in his way.

“He’s very popular with players and supporters alike, and we all wish him the best for the future.”

Russell explained the opportunity to join Clermont came “from left field” but that he felt compelled to act on the opportunity to join the Heineken Cup challengers.

“I am really looking forward to getting involved in the French style of play and feel that playing in France will suit my game,” he said.