By Jason Harris (filed 23/6/03)
June 23 2003

Ex-All Blacks captain Taine Randell has not signed a deal with an overseas club, according to his lawyer, despite reports at the weekend that he will join Saracens in the very near future. Warren Alcock told the New Zealand press "We've got some options but he [Randell] has not signed a contract yet. Saracens is certainly one of the options and may well be the preferred option."

Randells omission from both All Blacks coach John Mitchell's plans and the Otago NPC squad has attracted interest from several organisation outside.

Alcock confirmed that several approaches had been made for the player who has won 51 New Zealand caps and added "What course he takes will be known relatively soon."

It has also been reported that Randell's home in Dunedin will be sold at auction on 15 July and that his wife has resigned from her job in the legal profession.

Should Mitchell change his mind when he announces the New Zealand squad for the World Cup, then Randell could well stay in New Zealand for a short time longer, but all recent events have pointed towards a move to the northern hemisphere for the 28-year-old.