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Club of the Month: Saracens Strengthen with Hamilton and Figallo

1bPremiership leaders Saracens have signed Scotland second-row Jim Hamilton and Argentina prop Juan Figallo in a double deal from French club Montpellier that sees two international stars join the Londoners.

Saracens have wasted little time in bolstering their squad ahead of the next campaign, bringing in two proven international players to a squad that is already being tipped by Betfair as next season’s title favourites.

Hamilton, an aggressive and tireless lock, arrives at the club as a ready-made replacement for captain Steve Borthwick, who will end a long and distinguished career following the upcoming Premiership final against Northampton. The Scotland international is returning to the Premiership after a year in France with Montpellier, and the former Gloucester second row now looks set be tasked with replacing Borthwick in the pack next season.

1aWhile the signing of Hamilton has been well received by Saracens fans, the deal to bring Figallo to the Allianz Park has been seen as a major coup for the Heineken Cup finalists. After making his international debut in 2010, Figallo has gone on to establish himself as one of world rugby’s best props. At just 26 years old, Saracens are signing a player who is still yet to reach his peak and someone who could be a mainstay in this team for years to come.

Director of rugby Mark McCall admitted the club were excited to have secured two players of such quality ahead of next season, saying:

“Juan Figallo was ranked as the world’s number one tighthead prop last year and, aged only 26, will prove a massively significant signing.”

“Jim Hamilton is one of the most respected lock forwards in the game, a big man with a big presence on and off the field. He was courted by several leading European clubs, and we are delighted he has chosen to join Saracens.”

Flickr image credit: bobaliciouslondon


About Ellaine

Ellaine is the founder of FRN and author of "Mini and Youth Rugby: Complete Guide for Coaches and Parents" (published October 2015). She has been playing rugby union for over 10 years in the UK and the US for teams including Oxford University Blues, London Wasps, Henley, NOVA, and GWU. She has recently developed a love for rugby 7s and has played on several international rugby 7s teams. She also enjoys playing touch rugby and regularly plays for the FRN Mixed Touch Rugby team. She is passionate about helping others develop a love for rugby. View all posts by Ellaine

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