Stevens to join Saracens
Former England prop Matt Stevens to join Saracens at end of drugs ban
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Saracens have announced their intention to sign former England prop Matt Stevens upon completion of his two-year drugs ban next year.
Stevens, 27, will link up with the London side on January 19th 2011 when he will be eligible to return to rugby union after his suspension for cocaine use.
Speaking about the signing of Stevens, who played for Bath between 2002 and 2009 and has 32 England caps, Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter said: "This is a massively significant signing for the club - it demonstrates the scale of our ambition, and it also shows that top players recognise Saracens as a well run club with a bright future.
"Matt is a world class prop with his best rugby ahead of him, and I'm sure he will flourish in our environment."
It is thought that several clubs have been pitching for Stevens' signature since he was forced out of the game for admitting a drugs problem last year.
But Stevens said he had chosen Saracens because of the positive atmosphere at Vicarage Road.
"I am looking forward to launching the next phase of my rugby career at Saracens in January next year," he said.
"I have many great memories and friends in Bath, but there is something special happening at Saracens and I am very eager to be part of it."
Saracens have been keen to stress that Stevens will not train with the club or be involved in any way prior to the end of his two-year ban.