Scrum half speculation

By Jason Harris
June 19 2002

The French press have once again been speculating about players joining Saracens for the 2002-03 season. The latest is Stade Francais and Canada scrum half Morgan Williams.

L'equipe have pulished an article saying that the 26 year old Williams, who played in Canada's 26-23 victory over Scotland last weekend, could be coming to Vicarage Road next season.

While the acquisition of a quality half back may be necessary after the departure to Sale Sharks of Nick Walshe, it is questionable that the squad should take up an overseas player berth with someone that will play only when Kyran Bracken is unable to run out.

It is unclear at this time whether Williams (surely with a name like that there must be some Welsh ancestry in there)is EU-qualified, but as soon as we find out, we'll let you know.

On the subject of the French press, the Christian Califano transfer saga still runs on and on.

After Stade Toulousain's brash claim a couple of weeks ago that Califano was going back to Stade de Sept Deniers for next year, it has been fairly quiet apart from the occasional sentence here and there saying that Toulouse are hopeful of getting their man.

Sarries CEO Peter Deakin, meanwhile, has said that he is excited about the new signgins that will be playing at Vicarage Road next season. In an article on the club's official web site, Deaking enthused about the incoming talent "We've caught some real gems over the last few months in Andy Goode, Craig Quinell and Christian Califano, they're all really keen to get started!"

Proof, if any were needed that the Califanon "will he, won't he?" debate will continue for just a while yet.