Barkley turns down Saracens offer

By Jason Harris (filed 17/3/04
March 17 2004

Bath and England outside half Olly Barkley has disappointed Saracens coach Rod Kafer by turning down their offer to join the Men in Black and to stay at the Rec.

The Watford Observer reported on Wednesday that Sarries' bid to capture the signing of this season's leading points scorer in the Zurich Premiership had failed.

Kafer told the newspaper "We were in discussions with Olly but he confirmed to me today (Wednesday) that he will be staying with Bath. I think he is a talented player but Bath have tried aggressively to keep him at the club and succeeded. We wish him all the best."

Saracens' search for a goal kicker continues with no other names yet to be mentioned other than Australian test no10 Steve Larkham who has also been linked with a move to Zurich-bound Worcester Warriors.

Sarries fans, who have been excited by the recent captures of international forwards Alex Sanderson, Hugh Vyvyan and Iain Fullarton, are still keen to hear about the finalisation of deals for Leeds Tykes fullback/wing Dan Scarbrough and Sale Sharks hooker Matt Cairns who is reportedly about to return to his old club.

Rumours continue to circulate around Bramley Road that there are to be further new recruits; another new lock, some front row re-inforcements and three new backs plus an alleged approach for French international flanker Olivier Magne. But the Saracens support has not been too keen on the idea of the Montferrand back row stalward joining the Men in Black for 2004-05.