Chris Jack blow for Saracens

Saracens second-row Chris Jack has been ruled out of action for the club after sustaining knee ligament damage and is expected to out until Christmas.

The former All Black picked up the injury last weekend in the second half of Saracens European Challenge Cup win over Viadana.

The injury is expected to keep Jack out of action and on the sideline for somewhere between six and eight weeks.

“The news about Chris Jack is very disappointing, but it’s just something we have to deal with.” Director of rugby Eddie Jones told the BBC.

The loss of Jack has been worsened by confirmation that South African loose-forward Wikus Van Heerden will join up with the club on Tuesday as he has been named to play for the Bulls is Saturday’s Currie Cup final against the Sharks.

Playing for the Sharks is Sarries other signing Brad Barritt.

Saracens’ third late arrival, centre Ben Jacobs, flew in from Australia on Tuesday and could be ready to face Bristol in the EDF Energy Cup on 1 November.