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News
Saracens announce triple signing
Tue 14th Apr 09 - 14:31
Saracens have announced the signing of three English players ahead of next season, including full-back Michael Horak from Treviso.
London Irish prop Richard Skuse and Exeter scrum-half Kevin Barrett complete the trio.
Incoming director of rugby at Vicarage Road, Brendan Venter, says the moves highlight a belief in domestic talent.
"As a club, we are determined to develop English players and deliver them into the England team," he said.
All three of the signings have played for London Irish at points in their careers, with 31-year-old Horak earning his solitary England cap against Argentina in 2002 while playing his club rugby for the Exiles.
"We have a fantastic number of exciting and hugely talented youngsters in the backline, and Michael will provide a much-needed experienced head at the back," said Venter.
"He has a strong left foot, which is always useful in a full-back, but perhaps most importantly he is player of immense character."
Now 28, Skuse has represented England at under-21 level and has spent five seasons with London Irish since signing from Bristol.
"Richard is an outstanding player, who has been prevented by injury from fulfilling his potential at London Irish. We believe we can accelerate his development at Saracens, and help him win international honours," Venter added.
Barrett, 28, has become a regular with the England Sevens side and helped the side to their first ever tournament win in the IRB Sevens World Series in Wellington in February.
"Kevin is a livewire scrum-half, and it is not surprising that he has made such an impact with Exeter and in the England Sevens squad," continued Venter.
Saracens are expected to announce another seven signings, consisting mainly of South Africans and Italians, this week as part of a dramatic overhaul of the club's playing staff.
Fifteen members of the current squad were informed in February that they will be released at the end of the season.
A South African consortium led by businessman Johann Rupert has invested heavily in Saracens and chief executive Edward Griffiths has outlined a new push to recruit supporters from London's large South African expatriate community.
