'A great addition to our squad': Saracens sign a Championship prop

Beaten finalists Saracens have added to their squad ahead of the new 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season by signing James Flynn, the former Sale loosehead, from Championship club Jersey Reds. The 28-year-old spent seven seasons at the Sharks when Steve Diamond was in charge but has since embarked on a multi-pitstop second-tier journey after leaving Manchester in 2019 after 55 appearances.

There have been Championship-level stints at Leeds, Ampthill and Jersey and the Channel Islands club announced in May that Flynn had re-signed for the 2022/23 season. However, a subsequent offer to get back into the Premiership with Saracens was too good to turn down and a deal has been struck to release him from the Reds.

A club statement read: “Saracens are pleased to announce the signing of prop James Flynn from Jersey Reds for the 2022/23 season. The loosehead, who has plenty of Gallagher Premiership experience has joined the Men in Black for the upcoming campaign where he will be looking to make his mark at StoneX.

"Flynn, who is 28 years old, made his debut for Sale Sharks back in 2012 where he made 55 appearances before spells at Ampthill and Jersey in the Championship. He will further boost the depth in the number one shirt with the likes of Mako Vunipola, Eroni Mawi, Ralph Adams-Hale and Sam Crean all looking to lock down a starting position.”

Flynn said: “My goal for the last two years has been to get back into the Premiership and I’m incredibly happy and fortunate that I have been given an opportunity here at Saracens. I’m looking forward to the challenge and being a part of such a great squad.”

Director of rugby Mark McCall added: “James is a great addition to our squad and we are very pleased to have him on board. He has good experience and is very motivated to make the best of this opportunity. We would of course like to thank Harvey Biljon and Jersey Reds for helping us accommodate this move and wish them all the best for this season.”