Randell withdraws from Maori tour

By Jason Harris (filed 13/7/03)
July 13 2003

Saracens target Taine Randell has told New Zealand Maori that he will not be available for their upcoming three match tour to Canada. Randell told Maori coach Matt Te Pou that he would not want to stand in the way of a younger, up-and-coming player.

Te Pou said that he respected the former All Black captain's decision and added "he [Randell] has made a fantastic contribution to the New Zealand Maori team and he goes with our best wishes." Randell's place as skipper goes to Taranaki lock Paul Tito.

Randell's move to Saracens is still not complete, despite Sarries CEO Mark Sinderberry breaking with rugby tradition by stating publicly that the club was in talks with the player.

The 28-year-old is under contract to the New Zealand RFU until the end of August, but despite this, Saracens are hoping that the transfer will be completed in the next few days.

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