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.
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.