Rugby: Sarries land Benazzi

Saracens have pulled off a major coup by signing French international lock Abdelatif Benazzi on a two-year deal.

The London club, who had a bitterly-disappointing season in the Zurich Premiership, moved quickly to fill the void left by the departure of England’s Danny Grewcock to Bath.

Benazzi, who has won 78 caps for France, captaining his country on 10 occasions, said he was excited after deciding to leave French club side Agen.

‘‘This is the first time that I’ve moved clubs like this, so I thought very carefully about where to go.’’

He added: ‘‘Saracens are a big and very professional club, I’m very motivated and very much looking forward to being a part of their future.’’

Benazzi’s capture represents one of the first real incomings at Vicarage Road in the close season, with many of their established stars heading in the opposite direction.

Tony Diprose and Lions wing Dan Luger have joined Harlequins, stand-off Duncan McRae has returned to Australia and England prop Julian White looks set to join Bath.