Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall has committed himself to the club for the next two seasons after agreeing a contract extension.
The former Ireland international joined Saracens in 2009 as first team coach, and took over as rugby director when Brendan Venter left the role in January 2011.
McCall (45) who previously had a spell in charge of Ulster, picked up the baton seamlessly and guided Saracens to their first Aviva Premiership title with victory over Leicester in May of that year.
He also guided Saracens to the last eight of last season’s Heineken Cup, making them the only English club in the quarter-finals.
In spite of the loss of trusted lieutenant Andy Farrell to the England set-up, McCall once again has Saracens in the hunt for the Premiership title this season as they sit second in the table, while they top their Heineken Cup pool with two rounds of games remaining.
Saracens chairman Nigel Wray said: “Mark has provided outstanding service for the past three and a half years, and we are delighted he has agreed to continue his excellent work.
“He leads a strong and talented coaching team with great skill and fantastic commitment, and we are very confident he will continue to guide and inspire the development of the squad.”
In addition to McCall’s new deal, Saracens also confirmed coaching staff members Paul Gustard (forwards coach), Alex Sanderson (forwards coach), Dan Vickers (kicking coach) and Kevin Sorrell (backs coach) had agreed new contracts to take them through to at least the end of the 2014/15 campaign.
p England internationals past and present have voiced their support for Hendre Fourie after the former flanker revealed he is facing deportation to South Africa.
The 33-year-old, whose 18-month-old son Hendro was born in England, has been in the country for eight years, playing for Rotherham, Leeds and Sale and winning eight caps for the Red Rose in 2010 and 2011.
However, he was forced to retire last week because of a shoulder injury and consequently had his contract cancelled by the Sharks, meaning his visa is no longer valid.
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