Saracens confirm Fraser Balmain signing
Saracens have announced the signing of tighthead prop Fraser Balmain from Gloucester, as reported by RugbyPass.
The 32-year-old becomes the latest front-row signing for the three-time European Champions, and sixth overall, in a summer that has also seen plenty of props leave the StoneX Stadium.
Balmain will arrive with fellow tighthead Phil Brantingham from Newcastle Falcons, while Wales loosehead Rhys Carre will also rejoin from Cardiff. Meanwhile, loosehead trio Mako Vunipola, Tom West and Ralph Adams-Hale have all departed alongside tightheads Christian Judge and Logovi’i Mulipola.
The prop brings a wealth of experience to north London, with over 200 appearances in his career across spells with Gloucester and Leicester Tigers.
“I’m really looking forward to joining Saracens, and am very excited for a new challenge!" he said to Saracens.
Balmain's new director of rugby Mark McCall added: “Fraser is a player with plenty of experience and we are excited to see him add his quality to the squad for next season.
"He is very well respected across the league and we believe he can have a very strong impact here at Saracens.”
Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington said: “Fraser has played a big role for us in his time here and we are grateful to his contribution in Cherry & White.
“We do, however, recognise it’s a good opportunity and a new challenge for him at this stage in his career, and he departs with our best wishes and thanks for his time at Kingsholm.”
Gloucester have acted swiftly in replacing Balmain, with RugbyPass reporting that former England U20 prop Alfie Petch has been lined up to arrive at Kingsholm.
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As Dmac also missed a few kicks, I think it’s fair to say the conditions in the poly-tunnel greenhouse probably contributed. Smith will start for England at Eden. He was at the heart of a lot of the stuff England did well. Expect another close game this weekend. Borthwick and the players will be desperate to get a win. England’s problems at prop are well documented, but I also think England have a lack depth on the bench. There was a discernible loss of dynamism in Dunedin when Borthwick emptied the bench. I’d wager he’ll give the players more free-reign to run it more this week rather than box kicking. I think he’ll also try and get Feyi-Waboso on the ball a bit more. Last game of what has been a long season for a lot of these England players and I hope they have enough left in the tank to show everyone what they can do.
Go to commentsWorld Rugby needs a strong Aussie national team. Same for Wales. Must be hard for the fans, but there’s reasons to be optimistic. I mean, it can’t get any worse, right? Look how quickly Italy turned things around under Gonzalo Quesada.
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