Tuesday 24 June 2014 11:14, UK
Saracens have announced the signing of Kieran Longbottom from Western Force.
The 28-year-old prop forward, who was born in Australia but is eligible to play for England, has delivered a number of outstanding displays during the Super Rugby season.
Saracens rugby director Mark McCall said: "Kieran has shown up consistently well in our scouting reports, and he will prove an outstanding addition to the squad.”
Longbottom added: "Saracens are recognised as one of the go-forward clubs in Europe, and I'm really looking forward to this opportunity."
Longbottom’s decision to move to England has caused dismay in Australia as players who join European clubs are not considered for selection by the Wallabies.
Australia coach Ewen McKenzie has admitted he was frustrated by the decision, telling The Australian: “He was definitely a guy we looked at very strongly and we did, after all, pick his two front-row partners at the Force (hooker Nathan Charles and loosehead Pek Cowan), but these are the decisions players make.
“It’s a bit frustrating. I spoke to him back in January so he would know he was at least on our radar.”
