South African prop Vincent Koch has revealed the tough decision he made to join Saracens and give up on Springbok selection.
Koch joined the London-based club at the beginning of the season after an impressive breakthrough the year before in Super Rugby with the Stormers.
By joining the reigning European and Premiership champions, Koch ruled himself out of contention for Springbok selection as Bok policy is only to select players with at least 30 caps if they are playing overseas.
While revealing it is ‘sad’ he cannot play for the Boks, Koch admits that the prospect of winning a double with Saracens is ‘incredible’.
Koch is gearing up for the European Champions Cup Final at Murrayfield this weekend in which Saracens do battle with Clermont. The prop has been a vital cog in the Sarries’ machine, picking up the man-of-the-match in the semi-final victory over Munster.
“I have made the decision to play here. I am not going to be able to play for the Springboks again while I am overseas, which is sad,” Koch told the London Evening Standard.
“As a child you dream of playing for your country and it was a real honour every time I was selected, but I have a new career now with Sarries. It was my decision and I believe I made the right one. South Africa would like to keep their players at home, but I made the decision to extend my career and become a better player.
“To win the double in my first season here would be incredible.
“The club set very high standards and I have to perform to earn the respect of the guys and not let them down. The coaches push you in areas where they believe you can improve. In the semi-final, I was really excited and winning was fantastic, so I can only imagine what it is going to be like if we can win the final on Saturday.
“The level of European Cup rugby is close to Test rugby. Super Rugby is much looser, while the northern hemisphere game is slower but much more physical, with guys running really hard in straight lines. It does ask more of you physically and mentally, especially in the scrums. You cannot pick and choose when to go hard — you have to get it right every time.
“Clermont have a strong scrum, which is important to their game. You have to man up against your opposite number and it will be a massive competition.
“I started on the loosehead and have been only been on the tighthead side of the scrum for three years and I am still learning from all the other guys at the club.”
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