By Ben Harman
July 4 2003

Saracens crowd pleaser Thomas Castaignede has been omitted from the French World Cup squad and will be available for his club for the early season fixtures. Saracens French star Thomas Castaignede has paid the price for a poor run of form in the Argentine tests.

The unlucky speedster had a difficult season with Sarries as he struggled with injuries and had a much-publicised bust up with former coach Wayne Shelford. He was drafted into the French 6 Nations squad after the powerful Kiwi Tony Marsh was taken ill, and Castaignede grasped the opportunity impressing in the centres.

After returning to Sarries he once again found himself warming the bench. Apart from appearing for the Barbarians in their triumphant end of season exhibitions his opportunities for match practice were limited.

One man’s meat is another man’s poison though and France’s loss is Saracens gain as the Fez can now look forward to having the services of their utility back during the opening part of the season.

In other news announced today, there is to be a pre-season fixture against London rivals the Harlequins.

The game is to be played at the Stoop on the 5th September at 7.45 in the evening. Whilst both squads will be weakened by the omission of their world cup stars their will still be plenty of talent on show. Quins will be looking for new signings George Harder and Mike Worsley to make an impact, whilst their back row will boast former Springbok captain Andre Vos and former England captain and Saracens stalwart Tony Diprose.


The travelling fans can look forward to new lock Alex Codling to make an impression against his old team. He will be packing down behind the new look Sarries front row that will include the likes of Andy Kershaw, Emilio Bergamaschi and Stephen Sparks.

p.s. apologies to all who read this earlier for the mistake as regards Bruce Starr who has not been linked with a move to Saracens.