By Jason Harris (filed 20/4/04)
April 22 2004

Saracens have announced the acquisition of Sale Sharks and England prop Kevin Yates as the club continues its major overhaul of its playing squad in time for the start of the 2004-05 season. Yates is the fourth player to follow coach Steve Diamond from the Cheshire outfit after Sarries' earlier captures Alex Sanderson, Iain Fullarton and Matt Cains who is returning to the club he left only 12 months ago.

Capped twice by England, the former Bath player has also played in the southern hemisphere's premier competition - the Super 12 - and, at 31 years of age, comes to the men in Black with a lot of experience in the top flight north and south of the equator.

Sarries Head Coach Rod Kafer believes that the capture of the loose head is just one more piece in the new-look squad which is based upon a the club's new philosophy of bringing in English players.

"Signing Kevin fits in with our long term plans for Saracens" he said. "Not only is he a very good player, but he also has the ability to pass on his knowledge to some of the younger looseheads in the squad. We're delighted he is joining us."

The news of Yates' arrival next season takes to six the number of signings made by the Men in Black since Diamond's arrival, with Hugh Vyvyan and Dan Scarbrough already complementing the existing former Sale trio.

With reports linking Saracens to a whole host of players and Kafer saying that he will publicise the list of those heading for the Bramley Road exit door, the transfer talk is hotting up.

Rumoured still to be coming to Saracens next season are at least one other prop - one to be mooted has been Rotherham's Nick Lloyd - an outside half - Sarries are reportedly in talks with at least four no10s - a centre and a specialist goal kicker.

All told, if reports are to be believed, as many as a dozen new faces could be pulling on the black jersey for the new season opening day Twickenham showpiece against London Wasps.