By Jason Harris (filed: 3/8/03)
August 3 2003

After weeks of speculation followed by the club admitting that they were in the hunt for his signature, Saracens have finally confirmed that former All Blacks captain and no8 Taine Randell will be with them next season after completing his move from Super 12 outfit the Highlanders. The 28-year old joins the Men in Black after winning 51 caps for New Zealand, 19 as captain. Speaking about the move Randell said: "I'm very excited about the next phase of my career and can't wait to get settled in at the Club. I know how ambitious the club is and I am looking forward to playing my part in getting the club back to where they belong."

And unlike his countryman, former All Black no8, captain and ex-Sarries head coach Wayne Shelford who rubbished the standard of English club rugby, Randell belives that the competition in which he'll play is not going to be an easy one:

"The Zurich Premiership has become one of the toughest leagues in the world and I'm looking forward to this new challenge" said Randell.

Sarries CEO Mark Sinderberry expressed his delight at finally getting his man and added that there would be no more new names in the Sarries squad for the 2003-04 season

"Taine's signature brings an end to activity in the transfer market and we're now confident that we have a squad that can take the club forwards over the next few seasons." he said.

However, the thorny issue of not yet managing to secure the services of an experienced head coach still makes some supporters nervous and Sinderberry still has some work to do if he is to get a man in before on-field hostilities start later this month.

Saracens open their short pre-season schedule with participation in the Middlesex Charity 7s on 16 August, followed by visits to Agen on 24 August and NEC Harlequins on 5 September. The first Zurich Premiership fixture of the season will be at Newcastle Falcons on 14 September and fans of the Men in Black can see their side play at home for the first time on 21 September when the visitors are the Leicester Tigers.

FACTFILE
Taine Randell
Position: No. 8
Born: 05-11-74
Height: 6ft 2 ins (1.87m)
Weight: 16st (100kg)
Former Clubs: Otago Highlanders (NZ)
Honours: New Zealand (51)