Saracens set to confirm five new signings including England winger Anthony Watson

Rugby News
Friday, 12 May 2023 at 20:40
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Saracens have been actively building their squad for the upcoming 2023/24 Premiership season, having secured three new signings and reportedly nearing the completion of another.
The team is gearing up for a transitional year, with Max Malins having already confirmed his move to Bristol Bears and Billy Vunipola, the renowned number 8, still in the process of finalizing a new contract.
However, one player who will be staying is Alex Goode after the fullback signed a two-year extension.
He is now the most capped Saracen of all-time with 357 appearances to his name is one of the most decorated players in the history of the club and he has put pen to paper meaning fans can enjoy another two seasons of his dazzling displays.
The 35-year-old has won five Premiership titles and three Heineken Champions Cups since bursting on to the scene in 2008, and his consistent performances have made him a constant fan-favourite for well over a decade.
Details of the five signings made by Saracens are outlined below.

#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.”
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#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. Anthony Watson from Leicester Tigers

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.
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.

#5. Tom West from Leicester Tigers

Saracens, who are currently leading the Premiership, have secured the signing of Tom West from Leicester Tigers for the next season.
The 27-year-old loose-head prop has already made nine appearances in all competitions for the Tigers since joining them in January. West previously played for Wasps, where he spent over a decade, having come through the club's academy before making his league debut in 2018.
He was also part of the England team that won the World Under-20 Championship in 2016. West started in Wasps' Premiership final loss to Exeter Chiefs in 2020.
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