Rugby round up: England new boys awarded further Saracens deals

Owen Farrell

Two of the Saracens stars currently running Stuart Lancaster’s new England in the Six Nations have been awarded fresh contracts by the London club.

Centre Owen Farrell, whose inspirational part of a formidable midfield diamond with fellow Sarries Brad Barritt and Charlie Hodgson has propelled England to opening victories away to Scotland and Italy, has signed a new deal for an undisclosed length of time, as has lock Mauritz Botha.

Botha has played just three times for his country but has already established himself in the forward pack under Lancaster, keeping out the more experienced Louis Deacon and the returning Tom Palmer, and also signs for an undisclosed spell.

South African forward Ernst Joubert, 31, who has never been capped at international level, has also been awarded an extension at Vicarage Road.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said: “Owen obviously has a wonderfully exciting future in the game, at club and international level, and we are delighted he has pledged his future to Saracens.”

“Mouritz’s progress over the past few years has been fantastic, and we genuinely believe the best is yet to come.” McCall added: “Ernst has been one of the pillars of the Saracens revival over the past few years, and we are thrilled he has committed his future to the club.”

Two other men, youngsters Sam Stanley and Duncan Taylor, have also signed new deals at the club on Wednesday with the two highly regarded as prospects for the future.

Farrell is the son of Saracens and England coach Andy Farrell, and made his first-team debut in October 2008 before playing 46 times for the reigning Premiership champions and amassing some 603 points, 213 of which have come this season. Botha has made 77 appearances for Sarries.

And there have been more contract signings in the Premiership, with Northampton Saints trio Tom Mercey, Anders Mogensen and Ross McMillan all opting to stay longer at Franklins Gardens. England Saxons international Mercey has played 38 times at prop for the Saints, while Academy product Mogensen is one for the future and McMillian extends on a two-week loan deal from Nottingham.

Lyall Thomas

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