New prop joins Saracens

By Jason Harris
June 26 2003

Saracens have announced the signing of loose head prop Stephen Sparks from Parker Pen Shield champions Castres. The Northumberlan-born player joins after four years playing in France.

Sarries Chief Executive Mark Sinderberry said in the press release that broke the news that Sparks was keen to return to England afer his spell on the other side of the Channel.

"He comes highly recommended by Raphael (Ibanez)" said Sinderberry "and will now form part of our front row system for next season along with Bergamschi, Kershaw, Marsters, Ross and Croall."

Sparks has played with two Saracens before: Lock Craig Yandell at La Rochelle and Richard Hill when with England Colts back in the early 1990s.

"I'm delighted to have signed with Saracens" enthused the 18-stone front rower. "The club has got a great pedigree in the professional era and I'm really excited about being involved with the club. I wanted to move back to the UK and after speaking to Craig (Yandell) and Raphael (Ibanez) I jumped at the chance."

Sparks also had some good news for Sarries fans concerned by a retreating scrum during the 2002-03 season when he added "My first job is to scrummage hard and ruck, after that if I end up with the ball in hand then you'll see me give it a go but not before."

The new-look Saracens front row during the first half the season has now taken shape. Joining the new boy at the coalface will be Johnny Marsters, Joe Ross, Aston Croall, Andy Kershaw, Emiliano Bergamaschi and James Parkes who signed a new deal just a few days before this latest annoucnement.

Player profile
Stephen Sparks
Born: 7th July 1974 (Northumberland)
Height: 5ft 10ins (1.79m)
Weight: 18st
Former clubs: Castre, La Rochele, West Hartlepool
Representative honours: England Colts