Saracens statement: Two players signed from Worcester

Saracens have become the latest club to bolster their squad following the tragic demise of Worcester, with Mark McCall adding Tom Howe and Andrew Kitchener to the London team’s roster on short-term deals. All the players at the Warriors became free agents last Wednesday after the company retaining their contracts was wound up at an insolvency court.

That development has since resulted in Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Joe Batley (Bristol), Rory Sutherland (Ulster), Fin Smith (Northampton), Ollie Lawrence and Fergus Lee-Warner (both Bath) securing deals elsewhere. Ted Hill and Valeriy Morozov are also in talks to see if their initial loan deals at Bath can be bumped up into something more permanent.

In the meantime, the table-topping Saracens have swooped to add to their resources over a winter where they will have numerous players away on international duty. A club statement read: “Saracens is excited to announce the signing of Tom Howe and Andrew Kitchener on short-term deals.

“The pair join the club from Worcester Warriors on three-month deals and add cover to the squad for the upcoming Gallagher Premiership fixtures. Howe is an experienced winger who had been at Sixways since 2017, becoming a proven try-scorer in the top flight of English rugby.

“Kitchener, who came through the academy at Worcester eight years ago, also has plenty of Premiership experience and will add further depth to the second-row department.”

Howe said: “I’m really looking forward to joining Saracens and it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity playing for one of the biggest clubs in world rugby. I’m thankful to the staff for signing me and can’t wait to get stuck into training with the boys and play with some of the best players in the game.

“The Worcester situation was heart-breaking and the club will always have a place in my heart. This new chapter is one my family and I are so excited for, and I can’t wait to put the shirt on for the first time.”

Kitchener added: “I’m gutted to have left Worcester having come through the academy and been a part of the club for so long. However, I’m grateful for the opportunity Saracens have given me to be part of such a successful team and I’m looking forward to getting started and meeting everyone.”

Saracens boss McCall said: “Firstly, our thoughts are of course with everyone at Worcester Warriors during this very difficult time. We are excited to see the impact that Tom and Andrew can make in a Saracens shirt and with their experience, I have no doubt that they will make the most of their time here.”