By Jason Harris
August 19 2002

With reigning champions Leicester being odds-on favourites to retain their ZP title, Sarries are among the outsiders in the betting stakes. Despite a large recruitment drive that has brought in eight new players, Wayne Shelford's men are still unfancied by the bookies for the coming campaign.

With nobody planning to make a killing on Tigers at 4/11, what value is there elsewhere?

Gloucester, tipped by many fans to overhaul the champions this year, are second favourites at 7/1 followed by Northampton at 10/1.

The rank outsiders are Bristol and Leeds, both rated by Victor Chandler at 100/1. Quins are 66/1 and then come Sarries at a generous 28/1.

With confidence so high in the Saracens camp, it could well be worth a few bob.

The betting (source: www.victorchandler.co.uk_

Leicester Tigers 4/11
Gloucester 7/1
Northampton Saints 10/1
London Wasps 16/1
Sale Sharks 18/1
Newcastle Falcons 20/1
London Irish 20/1
Bath 25/1
Saracens 28/1
NEC Harlequins 66/1
Bristol Shoguns 100/1
Leeds Tykes 100/1