Saracens' Scotland lock Scott Murray has revealed that the club's end-of-season trip to South Africa is likely to be cancelled.

Saracens had announced a 10-day tour to the Republic, leaving on 16 May, with at least one match against the Stormers in Cape Town on 19 May and possibly another subsequently against the Blue Bulls.

But Murray told a website that concerns over injuries at the London club, whose domestic season ended in a crushing 45-17 defeat at Northampton last weekend, had prompted a re-think.

"The club has also been talking recently about a short tour to South Africa at the end of the season," said Murray, "but I think that is now being scrapped because so many of the players are in desperate need of a rest.

``In fact, I think everybody now feels it's time to draw a line under this season and concentrate on coming back in August determined to do better next time.''

Murray has been picked for the Lions' tour to Australia but, despite having a year left on his contract at Saracens, has reportedly been in contracdiscussions with chief executive, Franoic Pienaar.

Fellow internationals Dan Luger, Julian White and Paul Wallace are also believed to be in negotiations, with their contracts up this year.

The club's chances of qualifying for next season's Heineken Cup rest on London rivals Harlequins getting beaten in the European Shield final on 20 May.

But Sarries had some good news on Monday when x-rays showed that prop David Flatman, due to tour with England this summer, had not fractured a bone in his hand against Northampton as first feared.

Murray told icons.com: ``It's just very disappointing not to be able to finish what has been a frustrating club season on a higher note.

``Myself, Danny Grewcock, Richard Hill and Dan Luger have the Lions tour to prepare for and the four of us have decided that we will train together over the next month so that we will be in the best shape possible for Australia.

``We will also need our rest periods, too, of course, but it will be good to be able to put in some hard sessions as a group as we all build up for such a momentous tour.

"Tim Horan was talking after the match about how he has been asked to take over as backs coach next season, and that sounds like good news to me. I think Michael Lynagh might be getting involved occasionally too."