Sarries keep their England stars

English Premiership champions Saracens have announced contract extensions for the England duo of Owen Farrell and Mouritz Botha as well as loose forward Ernst Joubert who qualifies for England this year.

Young goal-kicking ace Farrell has impressed in midfield for England in the Six Nations, and along with Botha has made a big impression in his short time in the national team so naturally Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall was delighted that both players have committed to the club.

He said: "Owen obviously has a wonderfully exciting future in the game, at club and international level, and we are delighted he has pledged his future to Saracens.

"Mouritz's progress over the past few years has been fantastic, and we genuinely believe the best is yet to come."

Botha's fellow South African teammate Joubert has been one of Saracens' most consistent players for the last few years and McCall was equally pleased that the abrasive loose forward, who will be eligible to play for England later this year, had also decided to stay with the club.

"Ernst has been one of the pillars of the Saracens revival over the past few years, and we are thrilled he has committed his future to the club," said McCall.

Several other stars also signed to stay on.

Duncan Taylor has extended his contract with Saracens.

McCall said: "Duncan has made an outstanding impact since arriving from Bedford, and we believe he has potential to become a real force in the backline."

Ben Spencer also extended his contract. "Ben has made extraordinary progress this season, from the National 1 league to the England Saxons, and we are delighted he has extended his contract," McCall said.

Sam Stanley also joined the stayers' list. "Sam has been unlucky with injuries, but he is a very special midfield talent and we are looking forward to seeing him fulfil his potential with Saracens," the Sarries boss added.