'Real power': Saracens sign an Italian-based Argentine tighthead

Saracens have momentarily turned away from the buildup to Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership semi-final versus title holders Harlequins to announce the signing of Eduardo Bello from Zebre for the 2022/23 season to help fill the void left by the Wasps-bound Vincent Koch. A Saracens statement read: “The tighthead prop, who has made over 80 appearances for the Italian side, is another exciting arrival to StoneX Stadium for next year.

"Bello, who is 26 years old has three caps for Argentina, and he made his debut in 2021 during The Rugby Championship clash against Australia. The front-rower has played for his country through age-grade level rugby as well, and now he will be heading to London to compete with the likes of Christian Judge and Alec Clarey for the number three shirt.”

Bello said about Saracens: “I am really happy and excited to join this team of great players, I hope to grow as a player and do my best for the club”

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall added: "We are looking forward to welcoming Eduardo to the Saracens family. He is a very strong front-rower who will add real power to our set-piece. With his experience, he can become a valuable member of our squad next season."

Bello is the second Test level prop to exit Zebre for London in the last 24 hours as it was announced on Wednesday that London Irish had signed 24-year-old Italy international prop Danilo Fischetti after he spent four seasons with the URC side.

Elsewhere at Saracens this week, hooker Jamie George shed some light on why things didn’t work out for him at Test level in the second half of 2021 as he slipped down the selection pecking order while touring South Africa with the Lions and then fell out of favour with Eddie Jones’ England after his club had played in the Championship - not the Premiership - in the earlier part of the year.

“There were times throughout that season where I don’t want to come across as arrogant but you almost hit cruise control, you rely on other people around you more, you think that things are just going to happen, the team doesn’t need me as much, whatever that might be.

“That probably came into my mindset and I’m disappointed that I allowed that to happen and I will make sure that I will never let that happen again. I played for this team for a long time now and I’m very clear in my role, my responsibility to this team - it’s quite a big one which I love and I can’t let anyone down.”