NICK LLOYD says the progress Saracens made last year was one of his main reasons for signing a new 12-month contract.

The 30-year-old former Rotherham Titans and Scotland A prop battled England international Kevin Yates for the loose-head position last season and faces further competition this time around following the arrival of Italian Matias Aguero.

However, Lloyd is determined get more game time under his belt and help the Men in Black build upon their fourth place league finish.

"I'm really pleased to have signed for a further year," he said. "My wife and I are very settled in the area and I want to stay and help Saracens improve on the success we had last season.

"There is still a lot that both I and the club want to achieve so this was an easy decision for me.

"As a club we showed last season that we are capable of putting in some good consistent performances, but it's now up to us to step it up."

Director of rugby Alan Gaffney said he was 'delighted' with Lloyd's decision to stay on.

"Nick is a very talented player and ended the year for us in possession of a starting jersey," said the Aussie. "He is an important member of the squad and with Nick, Matias Aguero and Kevin Yates all challenging for the loose head position next season, there is good competition for places."

Lloyd joined Saracens in 2004 from Rotherham and has made 65 appearances for the Men In Black in three seasons, including 15 last campaign.