NIK SIMON’S GAIN LINE: Saracens want to poach Harlequins’ 19st lock Hugh Tizard… while Jonny May refuses to indulge in a festive feast ahead of Gloucester’s Boxing Day derby
- Saracens are hoping to poach Harlequins’ academy lock Hugh Tizard
- Sarries will try to free up cash by re-signing the Vunipola brothers on new deals
- Meanwhile, Jonny May refused to indulge in a festive feast ahead of Boxing Day
- May, known for his rigorous prepartion, is preparing for Gloucester’s derby
Saracens have tried to free up cash to poach Harlequins’ Hugh Tizard by re-signing brothers Billy and Mako Vunipola on cut-price contracts.
Lock Tizard has emerged as one of Saracens’ No 1 transfer targets following his breakthrough season with Harlequins and England Under 20s. The 21-year-old, who weighs 19 stone, is still on an academy contract at the Stoop.
With veteran Tim Swinson likely to retire, Saracens are ready to offer Tizard a substantial pay rise and the opportunity to play alongside Maro Itoje.
If the move comes off, it means the club would be unlikely to re-sign George Kruis, who is considering a move back to England from Japan. Saracens are rebalancing their books to fall in line with the Premiership’s reduced salary cap.
Saracens are hoping to poach Harlequins’ academy lock Hugh Tizard, who weighs 19st
Jones ready to shake up his England squad
Eddie Jones could make further shake-ups to his England squad for the Six Nations, with Wasps No 8 Tom Willis and Harlequins prop Will Collier on the radar. Wasps coach John Mitchell has offered a glowing reference for Willis, while Collier has impressed with strong scrummaging.
No Celebrations for May just yet
Turkey with a side of pasta was on the menu for Jonny May’s Christmas dinner on Saturday as the winger refused to indulge in a festive feast. Known for his rigorous preparation, May is preparing for Gloucester’s Boxing Day derby.
The winger said: ‘Even though it’s Christmas Day, it’s still a game day minus one approach. It’s a challenging time as a sportsman and there are certain sacrifices you need to make.
‘I don’t go and eat a box of Celebrations and drink alcohol. A bowl of porridge for breakfast and add a bit of pasta to dinner. Then it’s early to bed with a Christmas film: the Grinch is appropriate!’
Jonny May refused to indulge in a festive feast ahead of Gloucester’s Boxing Day derby
Fekitoa set to leave Wasps AND the Premiership
Former All Blacks centre Malakai Fekitoa is likely to leave Wasps next summer for a more lucrative contract outside the Premiership. Fekitoa has potential suitors in France, and Glasgow are understood to have an interest.