Saracens confirm fifth new signing as ‘abrasive’ Super Rugby star heads north

sam-spink-and-mark-mccall

Saracens have continued their recruitment ahead of the 2024/25 season, with the Premiership side announcing their fifth signing.

The Londoners are set to bid farewell to several club stalwarts, including captain Owen Farrell and veterans Billy and Mako Vunipola.

The defending Premiership champions have been busy in the player market announcing the arrival of two new fly-halves in Fergus Burke from the Crusaders and Louie Johnson from Newcastle Falcons.

Props Phil Brantingham (Newcastle) and Rhys Carre (Cardiff Rugby) have also signed deals to join Mark McCall’s squad, who have now confirmed a fifth new arrival.

Sam Spink signs for Saracens

Former England U18 and U20 centre Sam Spink will return to the Premiership next season, joining Saracens from the Western Force.

The 24-year-old was named the Western Force Players’ Player of the Season in 2023 after scoring three tries in 12 appearances for the Australian side.

Spink had a nine-year spell at Wasps before moving to Australia following the collapse of the Premiership club.

The midfielder will add to Saracens‘ depth in the centres competing for a position along with the likes of Nick Tompkins, Alex Lozoswki and Olly Hartley.

Quiz: Can you name the Saracens team that won the Champions Cup for the first time in 2016?

‘Tough abrasive player’

The 103kg back will add pace and power to the Saracens backline and has impressed Director of Rugby McCall with his resilience in his career so far.

“Sam has had a number of difficult challenges to contend with early in his career-injury wise and the demise of Wasps – but has shown great resilience to overcome these challenges and had the courage to travel to the other side of the world in order to progress his development,” the Saracens boss said.

“He is a tough, abrasive player and at 24, has both the potential and drive to take his game to the next level. We are delighted he has chosen to do that at Saracens.”

Spink added: “There is still plenty of work to do here in Australia with the season only half way through but I’m very excited to be heading home and joining such a great club like Saracens. There is a really exciting young group forming and I can’t wait to be a part of it going forward.”