By Jason Harris (filed 20/6/03)
June 20 2003

Saracens have bolstered their front row with the signing of Bristol Shoguns' Argentinian international prop forward Emiliano Bergamaschi. The 27-year-old is the second Argentinian prop to join Sarries after Roberto Grau who played with distinction in the late 1990s and was released reluctantly in 2000 due to salary cap restrictions. But unlike his compatriot, he will not count as a non-EU player due to holding an Italian passport.

Renowned as a fierce scrummager, -legend has it has once broke a scrum machine in training - Bergamaschi has won two caps for the Pumas and made 13 appearances for Bristol in the 2002-03 Zurich Premiership.

Saracens Chief Executive Mark Sinderberry said "Emiliano is a tough competitor with exceptional power and good technique in the scrum. Argentina has a reputation for robust scrummagers and Emiliano fits into that mould."

Before being awarded his first cap in 2001 against the USA, Bergamaschi represented Argentina at U19, U21 and 'A' levels.

Fact Files
Emiliano Bergamaschi
Born: 4th May 1976, Argentina
Height: 6ft 1ins (1.85m)
Weight: 18 st 6lbs (117kgs)
Former clubs: Bristol, Athletico Del Rosario, Buenos Aires (Argentinian Champions, 2000) Buenos Aires U21 (Argentinian Champions, 1997).
Representative honours: Argentina (Debut V USA, 23rd May 2001), Argentina A, Argentina Development XV, Argentina U21s, Argentina U19s (South American Champions)