Billy O'Driscoll signs for Saracens

Saracens today signed centre Billy O’Driscoll, second cousin to British and Irish Lions skipper Brian O’Driscoll.

The 24-year-old signing, who father John also played for the Lions, arrived at Vicarage Road after completing his medical degree at Imperial College London last week. He played for National One outfit Henley while studying.

Saracens boss Steve Diamond coached O’Driscoll as a junior in Manchester and believes the London-born midfielder has the right temperament to make a successful transition to professional rugby.

“Billy is a very talented, hard working and bright young man and we’re delighted that he is joining us. I’ve known him and his family for a number of years and I’m looking forward to working with him,” he said.

O’Driscoll revealed he was determined to finish university but now that he has secured his degree, he has trained his sights on forging a successful career in rugby.

“I’ve known Steve for a number of years – since I was at school. I played under him for Sale Under-21s during one summer,” he said.

“At that point I was focussed on going to university and getting my medical degree and Steve said that if I was still interested in trying to pursue a career in rugby, to give him a call when I’d finished.

“I’ve got that degree now and it’s something I can fall back on, but now I’ve got the chance to concentrate on rugby and I shall be working hard to make it a success.”