Just a day after Saracens signed controversial prop Matt Stevens, the Premiership high-flyers announced Wednesday they had signed another England international in Sale scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth.
The 26-year-old Wigglesworth, who has won five Test caps, will join Saracens in time for the start of next season.
South Africa born front-row Stevens is due arrive at Saracens in January 2011 when he completes a two-year drugs ban for taking cocaine, while a player with Bath, that he is currently serving.
Wigglesworth has slipped down England's list of scrum-halves and he now finds himself behind Paul Hodgson, Danny Care and Harry Ellis.
And he faces potential multi-national competition for the No 9 shirt at Saracens with South Africa' Neil de Kock, New Zealander Justin Marshall and Fijian Moses Rauluni already at the club.
But Saracens' rugby director Brendan Venter, the former Springbok centre, said Tuesday: "Richard is a top-quality international in the prime of his career, and his eagerness to join Saracens is further evidence this club is going places."
His exit from north-west side Sale will be a blow to the Premiership club, who could also lose Dwayne Peel when the Wales scrum-half's contract expires at the end of the season.
British and Irish Lion Peel, currently out of action with a groin problem, has been linked with a return to Wales and there has been speculation that he too could join the growing list of British players accepting lucrative offers to play club rugby in France.
Wigglesworth, who came through Sale's academy set-up, said: "I have had nine great years at Sale, but I feel the time is right for a change.
"Everyone can see there is something special happening at Saracens, on and off the field, and I want to be part of it."
Sale rugby director Kingsley Jones said: "Richard has given Sale Sharks excellent service.
"He is a very popular member of the squad, and my lasting memory of him will be at Twickenham in 2006 when we lifted the Premiership title.
"It has been difficult for us in that we have two top-class scrum-halves at the club, both wanting to start every game."
Copyright 2010 AFP Global Edition
