Burger Odendaal: South African centre to leave Northampton Saints

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

The 32-year-old arrived in the summer of 2023 but was unable to make his debut until December because of injury.

He helped Saints win their first Premiership title for a decade last June, having scored his first try for the club in their semi-final win over Saracens, but suffered a serious knee injury as they beat Bath at Twickenham.

Odendaal has only made only six appearances, the final one against Newcastle Falcons last month, after which he broke his arm in a training session.

“Burger has been a legend, and he has just been unlucky. He has added some experience and maturity to our group, which we needed,” said director of rugby Phil Dowson.

“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.”

News of Odendaal’s imminent departure follows that of lock Temo Mayanavanua, who is returning home to play in Fiji.

“I’ve never felt older as part of a team than during the last couple of seasons because of all the youngsters coming through. It has been a really special group to be a part of,” Odendaal said.

“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 (Premiership) final (last season), 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.”