SARugbymag.co.za looks at the South Africans who were involved in the past weekend's English Premiership, Celtic Pro12 and French Top 14 finals.

ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP

Bok hooker Schalk Brits, former Bok scrumhalf Neil de Kock, and South African-born England internationals Matt Stevens (prop), Mouritz Botha (lock) and Brad Barritt (centre) all started for Saracens in their dramatic 24-20 Premiership final loss against Northampton. Ex-Sharks lock Alistair Hargreaves came off the bench in the 50th minute for Saracens, who conceded a try late in extra time which cost them the title.

CELTIC PRO12

Zane Kirchner scored a brace for Leinster in their convincing 34-12 Pro12 final match against the Glasgow Warriors. Kirchner who normally plays fullback, found himself on the wing in this match and it worked a charm as he also assisted one try. Ex-Lions No 8 and captain Josh Strauss played for the Warriors.

TOP 14

Boks Bryan Habana (wing), Juan Smith (flank) and Bakkies Botha (lock) and former Sharks hooker Craig Burden were in Toulon's run on XV who clinched their second title in as many weeks by beating Castres 18-10 in the Top 14 final. Scrumhalf Michael Claassens came on in the 74th minute, while the retiring former Bok loose forward Danie Rossouw sat on the bench throughout the game. Former Sharks scrumhalf Rory Kockott started for Castres, kicking a conversion and penalty, but missing two vital penalties. No 8 Antonie Claassen also played for them.

TRANSFER NEWS

Midi Olympique reported that Stormers prop Pat Cilliers has signed a two-year contract with Montpellier, where he will replace Argentine Juan Figallo, who joined Saracens. Cilliers will link up with South African centres Wynand Olivier and Robert Ebersohn at Montpellier.

Photo: Patrick Bolger/Getty Images