Saracens have softened the blow of losing out on Soane Tonga'uiha by completing the signing of South Africa prop Deon Carstens.
Springbok agrees to move from the Sharks
Saracens have softened the blow of losing out on Soane Tonga'uiha by completing the signing of South Africa prop Deon Carstens.
Saracens had agreed a five-year deal with Tonga'uiha only for the Tongan prop to perform a U-turn and sign a new contract with Northampton.
However having come to an agreement with Saints that sees Tonga'uiha remain at Franklin's Gardens, Saracens have moved to sign Carstens from the Sharks.
The 30-year-old loosehead has made 80 appearances for the Natal-based franchise, while he has been capped eight times by the Springboks.
And Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter is delighted to have signed a "world-class" front row.
"Sometimes in life things just seem to work in your favour - we are delighted to have signed Deon for next season," he said.
"More than a world-class loosehead on the field, he is also an outgoing and infectious character - exactly the kind of person who will enjoy and enhance the spirit within our squad."
The Cape Town-born Carstens is relishing the chance to be part of something special at Saracens.
He said: "Everybody in rugby can see there is something special happening at Saracens, and I'm looking forward to being part of it."
