Mendez for Saracens?

By Jason Harris
June 17 2002

Argentina front row forward Freddie Mendez is the latest player to be linked with a move to the Men in Black. Saracens will be out to bolster their front row after the departures last year of Paul Wallace and Julian White and Mendez could be the man that fits the bill.

Speaking after Argentina's memorable 28-27 win over France in Buenos Aires, the 29 year old intimated that he has been offered a deal by Sarries.

"I hope to decide in the next few days about Saracens. They want me for two years but I am looking for a one-year contract." he said.

The Mendoza hooker, infamous for his haymaker on England lock Paul Ackford on his first visit to Twickenham twelve years ago, has had previous spells in the English top flight with Northampton and Bath. His stay at Saints seemed happy enough, but he left the West Country side after falling out with then Bath coach Andy Robinson and returned to his native Argentina.

Saracens are no stranger to South Americans as they had Roberto Grau on their books for a couple of seasons. Grau was a renowned scrummager and Mendez, not averse to playing at prop, could help improve the creaking Sarries set piece as Argentina are universally recognised as the best scrummaging side at international level.

However, there are some reservations. If Mendez is only hear for one year and will play at hooker where there is plenty of cover in the shapes of Robbie Russell, Matt Cairns and James Parkes, will it really be worthwhile taking up a non-EU player slot?