Sarries strengthen Blues ties

George Kruis: Dual registration

Premiership giants Saracens strengthened their links with Bedford Blues by committing 10 of their players to the Championship side next season.

The deal will see nine Saracens youngsters given dual registration with the Blues, while scrum-half Luke Baldwin will join the club on a season-long loan.

Last season eight players were dual-registered with the two clubs, but a shortage of manpower due to the Rugby World Cup and severe injury problems meant that most were needed by their club.

The nine this year will be Will Fraser (back row), George Kruis (scond row), Ben Ransom (full back), Scott Spurling (hooker), Sam Stanley (centre), James Short (wing), Duncan Taylor (centre/wing), Mako Vunipola (prop), Jackson Wray (back row).

Bedford Blues chairman Geoff Irvine said: "We are very excited with the level of commitment shown by Saracens in making this relationship work.

"The quality of the players dual-registered this coming season is outstanding, we are very happy with the recruitment and I think that everyone will be looking forward to returning to training at the end of the month."