Saracens confirm SEVEN new signings after the departure of Owen Farrell
Rugby NewsTuesday, 23 July 2024 at 09:55
Saracens, a dominant force in the Premiership, have been actively bolstering their squad following the announcement of their esteemed captain Owen Farrell's departure to Racing 92 this summer.
The team has already secured the services of SEVEN new players, spanning from promising young talents to seasoned internationals.
#1. Fraser Balmain
The tighthead prop, who has a wealth of experience in the Gallagher Premiership will join on a one-year deal to add real strength to the front-row.
The 32-year-old has made over 200 appearances in the top-flight and will provide more depth to the scrum for the 2024/25 campaign.
His career began in 2011 with Leicester Tigers where he featured on 96 occasions until his move to Gloucester, and since then he featured 112 times for the Cherry and Whites.
On the international front he was involved for England against the Barbarians, highlighting his strong scrummaging ability.
Balmain is excited to make the move to North London.
“I’m really looking forward to joining Saracens, and am very excited for a new challenge!"
Director of Rugby Mark McCall is pleased to be welcoming Balmain to StoneX Stadium.
“Fraser is a player with plenty of experience and we are excited to see him add his quality to the squad for next season.
He is very well respected across the league and we believe he can have a very strong impact here at Saracens.”
#2. Louis Johnson
The fly-half, who can also play at full-back graduated from the Falcons academy, and at just 20 years of age he has already featured in the Gallagher Premiership for Newcastle.
Johnson made his debut for the Falcons in March 2022, and that season kicked a winning conversion in the final play of the match against Leicester Tigers to show his nerve.
He has represented England at Under 20s level, and started the World Championship semi-final against France last year.
The number 10 is excited to be making the move to the capital.
“I’m incredibly excited and grateful to be joining such a prestigious club. Saracens is full of world class players and coaches and I can’t wait to learn from them.”
#3. Harry Wilson
The versatile forward, who can play in the second-row and across the entirety of the back-row has a wealth of experience in the Championship and will now be making the move to North London.
The 27-year-old was named in the Championship Dream Team after playing every minute for Doncaster last season, scoring four tries during a consistent spell of strong performances.
He has represented Hartpury, London Scottish and Ampthill in the Championship as well as the Knights, and also captained Hartpury to the BUCS Super Rugby title.
On the international front he represented England at Under 18’s level, and will now be adding further depth to the back five of the scrum in North London.
#4. Sam Spink
The centre, who was formerly at Wasps has had an enormous impact in Super Rugby since moving to the Perth based side, and was named the Western Force Players’ Player of the Year in his debut season, scoring three tries in 12 appearances.
The 24-year-old had a nine year spell at Wasps before making the move to Australia, and he was central to their midfield in both the league and in European competitions.
Weighing 103kg he will add plenty of size and ball-carrying ability to the Sarries backline, and will be competing with the likes of Nick Tompkins, Alex Lozowski and Olly Hartley for a starting shirt.
Having formerly represented England at Under 18 and Under 20 Level, his move back to the Gallagher Premiership will also look to get him back in to the international equation with his performance in North London.
#5. Phil Brantingham
The loosehead prop, who is one of the most exciting prospects in the Gallagher Premiership has been outstanding since bursting on to the scene at Newcastle and will make the move to StoneX Stadium in the summer.
At just 22 years old he has already become a regular in the top flight, and has also represented England at Under 20 Level to show his huge potential.
Growing up he played both Rugby Union and Rugby League, explaining his ability both in the set-piece and also around the pitch.
Having already captained Newcastle in a pre-season game he has clear leadership ability, and adding 117kg of weight in to the scrum will give fans plenty of reason for optimism.
The front-rower is looking forward to a new challenge in North London.
“I’m really excited to be joining such a huge club at an exciting time in their journey. I can’t wait to rip in and build on the success of Saracens.”
#6. Rhys Carre
The Wales international, who previously featured for the Men in Black during the 2019/20 season will head back across the Severn Bridge in the summer for another stint at StoneX Stadium.
The 26-year-old, who has 20 caps for his country is an experienced loosehead who will add further quality to the front-row with his scrummaging prowess at the forefront.
Carre, who stands at 6ft 3” and weighs 130kg will bring plenty of size and power to North London, has already played at the top level for Sarries with previous assignments including taking on Racing 92 at La Defense Arena in the Investec Champions Cup, and regular appearances in the Gallagher Premiership.
The Welshman has made over 50 appearances for Cardiff and is another exciting arrival as the squad for next season continues to take shape.
Carre is looking forward to another opportunity in North London.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to pick up where I left off four years ago and to be a part of a squad with big expectations going forward!”
#7. Fergus Burke
The fly-half, who is English qualified has been a part of Crusader's success in Super Rugby over the last few years will make the move to StoneX Stadium this summer in an exciting move for the club.
The 24-year-old has made 33 appearances for the Christchurch based outfit since making his debut in 2020, and was involved in their seventh consecutive title, scoring in the semi-final win over the Blues, and then coming off the bench in the final against the Chiefs.
After graduating from the hailed Crusaders Academy he featured for Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup, and a key part of his development also included featuring for New Zealand Under 20’s in the World Championship in Argentina.
The 6ft 2” back will look to have a big impact at StoneX as he takes on the keys to number 10 in NW4.
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