Signing for Saracens a 'no-brainer' for Cheetahs player

NEWS: Cheetahs scrumhalf Ruben de Haas has opened up on his move to English club Saracens.

On Monday, Saracens officially announced the signing of the 22-year-old on a two-year deal. He joins his new club later this year.

Born in South Africa, De Haas is the third generation of his family to represent the Free State Cheetahs following in the footsteps of his father, Pieter, and grandfather, Gerard.

At a young age his family moved to Arkansas, USA where he began playing for the Little Rock Junior Stormers before qualifying and representing the USA at youth level.

In 2017, the High School All-American earned an Academy contract with the Cheetahs and made the step up to senior international rugby with the USA Eagles a year later in the Americas Rugby Championship.

🇺🇸 Welcome, Ruben! 🇺🇸

USA international @rubedehaas9 will join Saracens in the summer from the Cheetahs! ✍️#StrongerTogether ⚫🔴

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) February 22, 2021

De Haas debuted at the Rugby World Cup on his 21st birthday and has 17 caps to his name to date.

“When I heard I had the opportunity to come to Saracens, it was a no-brainer,” he said.

“With the success Saracens have had over the past decade, and the team and family culture they have, it was a pretty easy decision for me.

“I’m really looking forward to the journey coming up.”

Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall said: “We have been monitoring Ruben’s progress over the last few seasons and are really excited by his potential, his ambition and drive.

“He is a young player with a bright future and we look forward to welcoming him to the club.”