Horan Adds To Wealth Of Talent At Sarries

Saracens once again confirmed themselves as the country's leaders of signing top foreign stars when double World Cup winner Tim Horan was unveiled at Kenwood House, Watford, on Tuesday. The Australian is the latest in a tradition of high-profile foreign stars to sign for Saracens, following in the footsteps of Francois Pienaar, Philippe Sella, Michael Lynagh and Alain Penaud.

Horan is considered by many as the best centre in the world, after earning player of the tournament in Australia's 1999 World Cup success, following the 1991 triumph. It is a remarkable coup for Sarries owner Nigel Wray to add Horan's wealth of experience - 30 tries in 79 internationals over 12 years for the Wallabies - to that of stylish French international Thomas Castaignde, who signed last month, to form a frightening backs division next season.

The 30-year-old, who signed a two-year contract, will join Sarries in a joint role as player and backs coach after he brings the curtain down on a glittering 12-year international career with Australia in the Tri-Nations tournament this August. And as backs coach, only half of Horan's wage will be drawn from the £1.8 million wage budget for players Premiership clubs have to abide to.

He said: 'Playing in England is something I've wanted to do for a long time, ever since the amateur days, of living in a foreign country.

'I've got a young family and I'm looking to set up here for a long time and to be involved with Saracens who are one of the leading clubs in the country is exciting. I'm also looking forward to working with the younger players and winning some trophies next season.'

Wray, who was tracking Horan all season, said: 'It's fantastic for us to have a player of his quality but also to have his sort of character because all teams need a back bone and he's that sort of player.

'If players like Ben Johnston and Kevin Sorrell don't become 30 or 40 per cent better for playing with Tim, then I'm a Dutchman.'

Horan will link up with promising 20-year-old centre Ben Johnston, named this week in England's summer tour squad to South Africa, who can only benefit from playing alongside such an experienced player.

Sarries chief Francois Pienaar also consider's Horan's signature as a major step forward in Saracens' development and challenge for honours next season.

He said: 'I was very excited when I heard Tim was signing. He could have joined any club in the world.

'Tim comes over here to help build Saracens into a formidable outfit and build an everlasting brand that everyone will recognise.'

Although Horan may have held ambitions of playing abroad, he had to make an agonising sacrifice by opting to move to England. In choosing to move to Saracens, Horan brought his international career to a premature end - surrendering the chance to earn 100 caps.

He admitted: 'It was a difficult decision to quit international rugby but I didn't want to be 32 or 33 coming across to London with just a year left. You just know as a professional sportsman, the time is right to move on a to a new challenge.

'It was a difficult decision, but a decision I'm very comfortable with.'

Horan, who will fill the boots of fellow countryman Ryan Constable who leaves to pursue a full-time career with the national sevens side after three years at Saracens, was this week house-hunting for himself, wife and three children. He then returned to Australia and plays his final game for Queensland Reds against ACT Brumbies on June 6.

With Horan and Castaignde joining Saracens band of home internationals on display at Vicarage Road next season, followers of the Men in Black hardly need a further incentive to buy a South stand season ticket at a knocked-down price of £99 (£4 a game) for adults and £25 for children. For details of season tickets, sales of which are already up 30 per cent on last year, call 01923 496200 or visit the club's website at www.saracens.com.

SEVEN Saracens players have made the cut for the 40-man England squad to tour South Africa next month.

After recovering from a back injury sustained last summer against Australia, Kyran Bracken returns to the England squad after five starts for Saracens at the tail end of the season. The Saracens scrum half's England rival, Matt Dawson, who captained the country in last season's Six Nations, dislocated his left shoulder against Saracens last week, ironically after a tackle from Bracken, and misses out.

There is also a place for another victim of a long-term injury this season, winger Dan Luger, who played just 32 minutes of rugby last season after coming on as a replacement against Bristol on Sunday. England's top scorer in last year's World Cup has been ruled out since October.

He said: 'My aim hasn't been to get into the England team but to get back for Saracens next season.'

There are also places for forwards Richard Hill, Danny Grewcock, Julian White and David Flatman, who is looking to fill the boots of the evergreen Jason Leonard.

Ben Johnston and Bath-bound Ron Thirlby are two of 11 uncapped players in the squad led by Leicester's Martin Johnson. There is also a place for former Watford Grammer pupil Josh Lewsey, the Wasps full-back/winger, who recently signed up for army officer training.

England will play two internationals against the Springboks, on June 17 and 24, and three friendlies.

Team administration manager Mike Scott is moving to a similar role at Harlequins after ten years at Saracens.

He said: 'I've not been particularly happy in the last few months and probably needed a change.'

Saracens' sponsor, Kenwood Electronics, this week announced an extended and improved deal with the club. Kenwood, who have sponsored Saracens for the last three years, have signed a one year extension worth 15 per cent more than the previous deal.

Saracens will be hosting their inaugural corporate sevens tournament this Sunday, at Vicarage Road. Sarries stars will play with and against teams from local businesses. Spectators are welcome for the event which starts at 11am.