Saracens Director of Rugby Alan Zondagh confirmed to Scrum today that he will be heading back to his native South Africa at the end of the season, but did not rule out a return to coaching in England in the future.

"It is very sad to leave the club, after the way they welcomed and treated myself and my family," Zondagh told scrum.com. "Especially Nigel Wray and Francois (Pienaar) who have been very kind. This decision is not a rugby-related decision, but a personal decision that I think my family deserve."

Zondagh was disappointed that his time with the London-based club didn't bring more reward. "Of course I would have liked to have achieved more with the club, and missing out on Eurpean competition can be costly. But I think I leave the team in a good position to achieve the success it deserves."

Zondagh had particular praise for the Pienaar, the man who brought him to the club. "It will be a shame to end my working relationship with Francois beacuse I think we were a good team. As for coaching in the future, well not in the immediate future, but my daughter will only be studying for three years so there's more than a chance that I will return to coach sometime in the future."

In an earlier statement from the club, Zondagh detailed his decison to go. "When we originally moved over to England our intention was to stay for two years and I signed a contract for that period with London Scottish. When the merger happened and I became a free agent in the summer of 1999 I jumped at the chance when Francois (Pienaar) offered me the job at Saracens.

"After discussions with my family I decided to extend my stay in the UK for another year for the 2000/2001 season. My family have given up a lot for me over the last 3 years so now it's my turn and hence the reason for my decision to leave at the end of this season.

"We've all thoroughly enjoyed our three year stint over here but coaching is a very demanding job, long hours and lots of time away from home and it's time for me to consider the needs of my family."

Zondagh intends to step back from coaching for the next 18 months to concentrate on his business commitments. But will be focused on the task in hand for the coming months at Sarries.

"I will be putting my heart and soul into the last few months here, I desperately want the team to get to the Zurich Championship final if just for Nigel Wray whom I would like to thank for his commitment to the club. Saracens are so lucky to have such a passionate and enthusiastic owner, if it wasn't for him there wouldn't be a Saracens."