Saracens are keen to go head-to-head with French clubs in a battle to lure Sharks and Springboks fly-half Jordan Hendrikse to North London next season.

The Gallagher PREM outfit has Scotland international Fergus Burke out of contract at the end of the season, and Edinburgh and Newcastle Red Bulls have been showing interest in taking him north.

They are also seeking a long-term successor to England legend Owen Farrell, who will turn 36 at the start of next season and is now at the back end of his career.

Hendrikse, 25, made his Lions debut at 19 and was nominated for the 2021 Junior Springbok Player of the Year and SA Young Player of the Year awards in his first season.

The younger brother of fellow Springbok Jaden, Hendrikse has also played full back and inside centre, and moved to the Sharks three seasons ago.

He made his first appearance of the season in a 40-33 win over Lyon in the Challenge Cup on Sunday, landing five conversions in a 33-40 win after suffering a hamstring injury in the victory over Cardiff in March.

Sharks head coach JP Pietersen last week said he was delighted to have Hendrikse available, as it gave him a good selection headache.

“It’s good to have Jordan back. He struggled with a hammy, but he looks in good nick now, the body is all good, and he’s part of an exciting backline.

“Hopefully he and a few experienced campaigners can unleash the backs. We’re happy to have Jordan back, but there’s no pressure on him. We just want him to get some game fitness in and get through the match.”

Lyon is one of the Top 14 clubs that could throw a spanner in Brendan Venter’s plans to sign Hendrikse, who earned his last two Springbok caps in a win over Wales in November 2024.

Hendrikse’s CV has also drawn interest from Stade Français and Montpellier, who have asked for updates on his career plans.