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Saracens make emergency signing after losing Louie Johnson until 2025
By
Josh Raisey
Saracens have signed former Harlequins and Newcastle Falcons fly-half Tim Swiel on a short-term deal as cover for Louie Johnson, who has been ruled out for three months with a biceps tear.
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Johnson arrived at the StoneX Stadium from Newcastle as one of two fly-half signings Saracens made over the summer, alongside Fergus Burke, as the London outfit entered their post-Owen Farrell era.
With the Premiership Rugby Cup getting underway in November, the versatile Swiel, capable of playing at fly-half and full-back, has come in to boost Saracens’ stocks with a handful of backline players away on international duty.
Since leaving Newcastle in 2020, the English-born, South African-raised Swiel has enjoyed stints in South Africa, Japan and Scotland, but trained with Saracens last season, where he proved to be a popular figure according to director of rugby Mark McCall.
Johnson, meanwhile, has recently undergone surgery on his left arm following the injury.
“Tim was a very popular member of the group when he trained with us last year so we are delighted to have him back,” McCall said after signing the 31-year-old.
“His experience will be valuable to the younger players and we are excited to see him steer the group through the Cup calendar.”
Swiel added: “I’m really pleased to be back here at Saracens. After training with them at the end of last season I could see how much quality there is in the group, and I’m looking forward to playing my part with this new-look squad.”
Gutted to be facing a short spell on the sidelines but I’m excited to get to work and come back better. ⏳ pic.twitter.com/GAYbMWUcJq
— Louie Johnson (@Louie_johnson10) October 18, 2024
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