Califano back to France?

By Jason Harris
May 6 2003

Saracens and France prop Christian Califano could be the second Frenchman to leave the Men in Black at the end of the 2002-03 season.

Lock Abdel Benazzi will retire at the conclusion of another disappointing season for his side and return to his homeland.

Califano is, according to French newspaper Midi Olympique, on his way back to France to play for Castres afer just one season in the Zurich Premiership. With serveral media outlets claiming that fellow prop David Flatman has joined Bath, the departure of the former Toulouse and Auckland will be another major blow to the club.

Saracens' third Gallic import, Thomas Castaignede, is thought by Midi-Olympique not to be going anywhere despite rumours of him being umhappy at Bramley Road. The utility back has been frustrated at being left on the bench by coach Wayne Shelford and by niggling injury and many Saracens supporters believed that he would be on his way even though he has a contract to keep him with the Men in Black until 2006.