London - European and English champions Saracens called a halt to their pursuit of Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth on Wednesday.

The Premiership club had held talks with Stormers star Etzebeth over the possibility of signing him on a short-term basis once South Africa's tour of Europe is over.

Alistair Hargreaves' recent retirement due to concussion has left Saracens exposed in the second row, but director of rugby Mark McCall revealed Etzebeth will not be providing a temporary solution.