Saracens have insane three-man transfer wish-list despite reaching Premiership final

Rugby News
Wednesday, 24 May 2023 at 09:38
screenshot 2023 05 24 at 093632
In their quest to bolster their squad for the upcoming 2023/24 Premiership season, Saracens are actively considering the addition of three more international players.
With several of their key performers expected to participate in the highly anticipated 2023 Rugby World Cup, Sarries are determined to fortify their group and make a resounding start to the season.
In recent developments, Ivan van Zyl and Sean Maitland have committed their futures to the Premiership club by signing new contracts, just in time for this weekend's final against Sale at Twickenham. The duo's decision to extend their stay demonstrates Saracens' appeal and ambition to retain top talent within their ranks.
The formidable Saracens side, who fell short of securing their sixth title last season, are poised to clash with the formidable Sale Sharks in the Premiership final on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 BST.
Eager to bounce back from their previous defeat against the Leicester Tigers, Saracens will be leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of redemption.
Moreover, reports indicate that Saracens have their sights set on three additional players who are allegedly on the verge of joining the club.
As the anticipation builds, fans and pundits alike eagerly await the unveiling of these potential new signings, as Saracens continue to shape their squad for the challenges that lie ahead.

#1. Anthony Watson

Saracens are edging closer to finalizing a deal to bring Watson to StoneX Stadium for the upcoming season, as reported by the Evening Standard.
They currently hold a strong position in the competition to secure the services of the England wing after the World Cup in France, according to sources at Standard Sport.
3364984
Anthony Watson of England during the England Rugby Training camp at the Honda England Rugby Performance Centre, Pennyhill Park on 30 Jan. 2023 Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Although Watson's current club, Leicester, has made efforts to retain the 29-year-old player in the East Midlands beyond the summer, the likelihood of the Tigers keeping the highly experienced speedster is slim.
Another potential suitor for Watson is French Top 14 team Castres, but a move across the English Channel would likely diminish his opportunities to represent England after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Watson has openly expressed his desire to be closer to his family in Surrey, and this factor could sway the balance in favor of Saracens.
Watson was born in Surrey and was a member of the London Irish academy before making his professional debut for The Exiles in 2011 and representing England at Under-20 level during the next two seasons.
He moved to Bath in 2013 and made more than 100 appearances for the club in the Premiership and European competitions.
Watson made his Test debut for England in 2014 against New Zealand at Twickenham and has made more than 50 international appearances, including at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups, as well as having featured in successive British & Irish Lions tours in against the All Blacks in 2017 and Springboks in 2021.

#2. Rhys Patchell

Rhys Patchell, the fly-half from Wales, will showcase his abilities to potential suitors this weekend after being released by the Scarlets.
He is set to participate in a match between a World XV squad and the Barbarians at Twickenham on Sunday at 14:00 BST.
This presents an excellent opportunity for the 30-year-old to shine and leave a lasting impression on any prospective employers.
According to reports, Saracens are among the potential suitors for Patchell, especially since they anticipate the need to rest Owen Farrell after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Patchell himself expressed his desire to continue playing and hopes to be seen on a rugby field in the upcoming season.

#3. Simon Berghan

The 32-year-old tight-head player, who recently left Glasgow Warriors, is currently a free agent. He is known to be a close friend of Sean Maitland, who recently signed a new contract with Saracens.
There are rumours suggesting that the player may be joining an undisclosed club in the Gallagher Premiership.
Berghan made his debut for the Scotland national team as a substitute against France in 2017. A year later, he started in the team's victorious Calcutta Cup match against England.
He qualifies to represent Scotland through his grandfather, Andrew Davidson, from Stirling. Before his first call-up to the Scotland squad for the 2017 RBS 6 Nations, Berghan had already made 24 appearances for Edinburgh. He played in three Tests as a substitute. Later in the same year, he featured in Scotland's Autumn Tests at BT Murrayfield, where he earned his first start in the memorable victory over Australia in November.
Consistent performances led to Berghan's inclusion in the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad, where he added a couple more caps to his name.
Since then, he has been a regular part of Scotland's wider squads, culminating in a substitute appearance during their historic victory over France in the 2021 Guinness Six Nations in Paris.
loading

Loading