Saracens play the Cell C Sharks in The Sanlam Private Investments Shield at Allianz Park on Saturday 25 January, in the UK.

Daniel Kriel, CEO of Sanlam Private Investments, said: “We are delighted to support this rare clash between the current Premiership leaders and the reigning Currie Cup champions.

It will be a fantastic rugby event on so many levels – England versus South Africa, Heineken Cup against Super Rugby, north versus south.” Both teams are committed to fielding their strongest possible teams in a full-blooded encounter.

Mark McCall, Saracens Director of Rugby, said: “We played a similar match against the Springboks in 2009, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable occasions in the club’s history. Every one of our players wants to play in this match, and we are eager to test ourselves against one of the leading teams in Super Rugby.”

Jake White will be guiding the Cell C Sharks for the first time. The former World Cup-winning coach said: “Playing Saracens on the artificial turf at AllianzPark is just about the toughest match we could have organised as we conclude our preparations for the new season, but we are excited by the challenge. Saracens have been one of the most consistently successful clubs in Europe over the past few years and, with their close SA connections both on the field and in the boardroom, they are followed and supported by almost everybody associated with South African rugby.”