If Anthony Watson chooses to remain in the Premiership and continue his Test career next season, Saracens are being considered as a potential option for him.
Castres, a team in France's Top 14 league, had previously been the favourite to sign Watson. However, if he moves across the Channel, his international career would be over following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Furthermore, it has been reported by Telegraph Sport that Billy Vunipola, who was being pursued by clubs in Japan and France, is now expected to stay with Saracens for the 2023-4 season.
However, with a tighter salary cap in place in the Premiership, retaining both Watson and Vunipola, as well as the arrival of Tom Willis from Union Bordeaux Begles, will have implications for Saracens.
It is possible that as a result, veteran players such as Sean Maitland, Duncan Taylor, and Jackson Wray, who are beloved by the club, may depart this summer.
Saracens sign four:
Below are the details of the four signings by Saracens.
#1. Gareth Simpson from Western Force
The scrum-half, who had a brief spell on loan in November will return in the summer on a two-year deal after impressing during his time at StoneX Stadium.
His try against Northampton Saints was the catalyst for the remarkable comeback victory, and before joining Sarries the 25-year-old made 45 appearances for Worcester Warriors during his spell at Sixways meaning he has plenty of Gallagher Premiership experience.
He is currently in Australia on loan at the Western Force for the remainder of the 22/23 campaign and will then return to North London in the summer.
Simpson is excited to have committed his future to the club.
“I can’t wait to get back into the environment at Saracens. It is a great club and I really enjoyed my time there. I am looking forward to continuing to learn and grow my game with some amazing players and coaches around me and am really grateful for the opportunity.”
#2. Tom Parton from London Irish
The full-back, who came through the academy at the Exiles has been a key part of their back-line in recent years, making over 50 appearances for the Brentford based side.
The 24-year-old was rewarded for his consistent performances with a place in the England training squad in the summer ahead of their tour to Australia, and he will add plenty of pace to the back-three department at Saracens.
Parton is looking forward to making the move to StoneX Stadium.
“I’m really excited for this new challenge. To be joining a club like Saracens is an honour and privilege. To learn off the best players in the world is an opportunity I can’t wait to get stuck into, and I look forward to playing in front of such a great fan base.”
#3. Tom Willis from Bordeaux
The 23-year-old, who has been playing for Bordeaux after leaving Wasps is one of the finest back-row prospects in the country and is an exciting addition to the Men in Black.
Willis, who is the younger brother of England international Jack made his Premiership debut back in 2017, and went on to make over 50 appearances for Wasps.
The former England Under 20’s captain will spend the remainder of the season in the Top 14, and then make the move back to the Gallagher Premiership in the summer on a long-term deal.
Willis is looking forward to making the move to StoneX Stadium.
"I’m incredibly excited to be joining Saracens, It is a great club with a fantastic playing and coaching group and I’m looking forward to being a part of it next season.”
#4. Nicky Smith from Ospreys
According to The Rugby Paper, the Wales loosehead has been in discussions with Saracens regarding a possible move to the Premiership once his contract with the Ospreys expires at the end of the season.
Despite spending his entire career with his hometown club, Smith is considering various options, including signing a new contract to remain in southern Wales.
Multiple Premiership teams, including Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, Northampton, and Saracens, have expressed interest in the 29-year-old.
