Sarries re-sign Brits and Stevens
South African stars Schalk Brits and Matt Stevens have both extended their contracts with English Premiership club Saracens.
The defending champions have secured the services of the front row duo, who are both regular fixtures in the along with former Springbok captain John Smit.
Brits has been one the biggest stars in the side since his arrival from the Stormers, and was man of the match in the Premiership final last season.
“Schalk has been rightly recognised as one of the stars of the Premiership, and I don’t believe there is a club in Europe that would not like to have such a gifted and committed player in their squad,” Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said. “We are obviously delighted he has committed his future to Saracens.”
Brits said: “There really is something very special happening at Saracens, and I have never been happier in my entire career.”
Stevens is currently part of England’s Six Nations squad and is a valuable asset with his ability to play at both loosehead and tighthead prop.
“Matt is widely recognised as a world class player, performing week in week out at the very highest level,” McCall said. “We are fortunate to have a player of such quality within our squad, and we are very pleased he has agreed to extend his contract.”
Stevens said: “It was an incredibly easy decision. I could not imagine playing anywhere else.”
Irish scrumhalf Peter Stringer’s loan at Saracens is coming to an end, but he won’t be returning to Munster in early March.
Instead Stringer will take up another loan move to Newcastle Falcons for the remainder of the season.
* Sarries also revealed that Carlos Nieto has extended his contract.
McCall said: “We recognise the importance of a strong front row, and – after announcing the contract extensions of Brits, Stevens, George, Gill and Du Plessis – we are delighted Carlos has agreed to stay for at least one more season. He is vastly experienced, hugely knowledgeable and he remains a formidable presence on the field.”
Nieto said: “Saracens has become a true family; so long as I can keep giving to the family, I want to remain a member of the family.”
* Petrus du Plessis also joined the stayers club.
McCall said: “Petrus arrived at Saracens from Nottingham in the closing months of the 2009/10 season, instantly strengthening our scrum, and he has been more than holding his own in the front row ever since. We are delighted he has extended his contract at the club.”
Du Plessis said: “Saracens gave me the chance to realise my potential, and I never want to play anywhere else.”
* George Kruis is another staying in London.
McCall said: “George is fast becoming an outstanding Premiership lock forward. He has been named as Man of the Match in our last two Premiership matches, and we are delighted he has committed his future to the club.”
Kruis said: “I am very happy at Saracens, and greatly appreciate the opportunity to play in such a special and positive environment.”
