Ben Spencer follows England final call-up with new Saracens deal

SARACENS have moved quickly to agree a new deal with England scrum-half Ben Spencer who was due to be out of contract at the end of the season.

Spencer was parachuted into the England squad in the aftermath of their World Cup semi-final win over the All Blacks, as the result of a dream-wrecking hamstring injury to Willi Heinz.

It means Spencer has been named among the replacements and could end up with his hands on the Webb Ellis Cup come late Saturday evening in Yokohama – a significant addition to his trophy-laden 2019 with Saracens.

The 27-year-old, who joined the Premiership and European champions from Cambridge eight years ago, put pen to paper on a new three-year deal.

Spencer was Saracens’ leading try scorer in 2018 to earn himself a call up for England’s summer tour to South Africa.

Saracens were keen to quickly tie up Spencer to avoid a stand-off like they had with Max Malins who is now staying at the club as we reported last week.

Spencer had to be patient for his chance at Saracens especially as he had the Premiership’s record appearance holder Richard Wigglesworth ahead of him.

Saracens are looking to become active in the transfer market after Alex Goode was ruled out of action for four months after an operation on a chest injury.

Goode, named European Player of the Year in May, was injured during the opening day defeat at Northampton Saints.

NEIL FISSLER