Five players Saracens could realistically sign after huge takeover

Monday, 04 October 2021 at 08:24

byRugby Rucker

Saracens have agreed to a £32m takeover deal that would spell the end of Nigel Wray’s 26-year club ownership.

Wray has agreed to hand over control to an investor group featuring insurance guru Dominic Silvester and former Springboks captain Francois Pienaar.

If the move is approved by the RFU and Premiership Rugby, it will be a watershed moment for the club whose reputation has been battered by salary cap breaches.

Below, we look at five huge statement signings the new board may look to make.

#1. Siya Kolisi

Age: 30
Position: Flanker
Honours: South Africa, 56 caps

The buy-out at Sarries involves rapper Jay-Z’s entertainment agency, Roc Nation, who also happen represent the South Africa captain. Therefore, a move to North London for Kolisi, who has previously been linked with Wasps, all of sudden looks very possible. One of biggest names in the sport today, this would be a statement signing for the new ownership.

DID YOU KNOW? Kolisi is an ardent fan of English club Liverpool FC

#2. Adam Radwan

Age: 23
Position: Winger
Honours: England, 1 cap

Under contract with Newcastle Falcons until 2023, but that doesn't necessarily mean he might not make a move as Cheslin Kolbe's £1m move to Toulon from Montpellier proved. The most exciting player in the Premiership today, you'd imagine he'd be a top target for any club.

DID YOU KNOW? He is of Egyptian ancestry

#3. Tadhg Furlong

Age: 28
Position: Tighthead-prop
Honours: Ireland & Lions, 49 & 6 caps

Wantaway Leinster prop Furlong signed a one year extension to stay with the Irish province due to the ongoing pandemic back in June. It looks right now like the farming tighthead will head to Racing 92 or Toulon next summer, but you wouldn't be shocked if he replaced South Africa Vincent Koch, who is set to leave Sarries next summer.

DID YOU KNOW? Furlong comes from a farming family in the parish of Horeswood in County Wexford

#4. Alun Wyn Jones

Age: 36
Position: Lock
Honours: Wales & Lions, 148 & 12 caps

Reuniting Maro Itoje with his Lions second-row teammate would be box-office. Despite his advancing years, this would be a marquee signing for the club.

DID YOU KNOW? He is the world's most-capped rugby union player, with 160 international appearances

#5. Conor Murray

Age: 32
Position: Scrum-half
Honours: Ireland & Lions, 89 & 8 caps

Another Lions out of contract next summer is the Ireland scrum-half. Sarries, who have had to loan in Joe Simpson due to a lack of depth at scrum-half, would surely be in the race to sign this box-kicking machine. Murray, who has spent his entire career at Munster, has hinted he could leave Thomond Park in 2022.

DID YOU KNOW? With his Dad also being called Gerard, Murray was known by his middle name, Conor, from early in his life.