Locks are key signings for Sarries

By Jason Harris
May 14 2003

Saracens have confirmed that they have signed two new lock forwards for the 2003-04 campaign. Harlequins' Alex Codling and Newport's Simon Raiwalui will join the men in black in time for the new season.

Until news of this signing, Saracens could have been four locks down on the start of 2002-03 as Abdel Benazzi retires after the Wildcard playoffs, Kieran Roche and Craig Quinnell were released and Stuart Hooper is moving to Leeds Tykes.

Both players are internationals; Raiwalui has won 39 caps for Fiji and Codling one for England and the pair have extensive top-flight experience in England and Wales.

Raiwalui, 28, joins from Newport where as captain he took them to this year's Welsh Cup final and Codling, 29, spent a season with Neath before linking up with NEC Harlequins from whom he joins Sarries.

Sarries coach Wayne Shelford said of Raiwalui on the club's official Press Release "Simon is a big guy and top line out jumper. He also enjoys running with the ball and knows how to use his size. Coupled with this he has shown at Newport and for Fiji that he has good leadership qualities which will be of use to us here."

Speaking about Codling he added "I talked to a few people, and Alex was highly recommended; he's a very good exponent of the line out and does his homework on the opposition. He's very professional and brings an enormous amount of experience to us"