By Jason Harris
May 23 2003

Contrary to rumours about an impending departure to either Leeds Tykes or Harlequins, Saracens and England centre Ben Johnston has penned a new contract with the Men in Black. Saracens coach Wayne Shelford said on the club's official web site "Ben has been playing very well over the last month or so and as he was due to be out of contract at the end of the season re-signing him for the club is fantastic. We know the guy, we know what he's capable of and we know that he's going to be a great asset not only for Saracens but for England too." after the announcement was made by Sarries owner Nigel Wray at the club's annual dinner at the Hilton Park Lane on Thursday night.

Johnston, speaking at the Hilton, said "I'm made up to have signed a new contract with Saracens. I've been at Saracens for quite a few years now and couldn't really imagine playing anywhere else. The rugby we've been playing lately has been really enjoyable and there's a really good feeling in the squad and I'm looking forward to being part of that again next season."

The retention of Johnston services softens the blow delivered by move to Cardiff of Wales centre Tom Shanklin and the imminent departures of David Flatman and Christian Califano, but Sarries will now have to fill the huge void left in the front row. And with Julian White moving to Leicetster despite being targetd by Saracens, the search for new props could be a long one, although Wasps' Andy Kershaw - on loan at Sarries during the 02/03 season - is reportedly joining soon.

Rumours of further signings abound after the dinner with names like Newcastle's Epi Taione and All Black no8 Taine Randell top of the Sarries shopping list, both arriving at the club after this autumn's World Cup.

We'll have all the news on the transfers to and from the club here on thesaracens.com as soon as we get it.