Koch the latest Test player to declare for Saracens - reports

Springbok Vincent Koch is set to become the latest Saracens player to declare for the club – according to reports.

The Evening Standard report that the South African prop has refused advances from several rival clubs in favour of staying at the North London side, despite their automatic relegation to the Championship next season.

Koch had been strongly linked with a move to Sale Sharks, the PRO14 and even a potential return to South Africa with one of the nation’s Super Rugby franchises.

Koch, who joined Saracens in 2016, signed an extension with the men in black for the next four seasons until 2022 back in 2018. Koch could have opted for an early release from the contract due to the relegation, but instead appears eager to stay for the club’s year in the RFU Championship.

Koch would be the third big name in recent weeks to declare their loyalty to the Saracens. England stars Elliot Daly and Jamie George will be staying, adding two to a significant cohort of big-name players staying put.

It is expected that Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje, Brad Barritt, Jackson Wray, Alex Goode and the Vunipolas – among others – will follow suit.

He was part of the Saracens squad which retained the European Cup in 2017, earning man of the match in the semi-final, and has since won another alongside two Premiership titles.

The tighthead prop’s performances over the years have seen him a consistent selection in the Springboks squad having made his international debut against New Zealand in the 2015 Rugby Championship. He played in the Rugby World Cup final against England.

Meanwhile, reports suggest Ben Earl and Max Malins will be loaned out to Bristol Bears for the year in moves that will see them return to Saracens in the 2021/22 season.

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