PATRICK PHIBBS, the scrum-half on loan from Randwick, flew back to Australia yesterday (Monday) after his short-term deal with the Men in Black expired.

The 22-year-old half-back, who played a starring role in the victory over Harlequins, was recruited as cover for Kyran Bracken and Morgan Williams during the World Cup period, but, with Williams now back and Dan Kirton in reserve, Phibbs is no longer required.

"Unfortunately we’ve seen the last of Phibbsy," said head coach Rod Kafer. "He had a good impact on the team and played a couple of good games, particularly against Harlequins. He’s a good young kid."

Another short-term recruit from Down Under, Mark Bartholomeusz, also looks to have played his last game for the club after the utility back from ACT Brumbies ruptured his AC joint in the heavy defeat at home to Wasps.

"Mark is around for a couple more weeks but it’s unlikely that he’ll play again for us," added the head coach.

As a result, Saracens have taken France A and Colomiers centre Denis Cech on trial on the recommendation of Thomas Castaignede.

"Denis is here just at the moment short term, we’ll make a decision on him in the next couple of days," explained Kafer. "The anticipation is that we may pick him up on a short-term deal to cover some of our injuries."

Another player back to boost Saracens' depleted squad this week is Scotland hooker Robbie Russell, who, on his return to his place of birth, scored his sides only try in the quarter-final defeat against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday.

"Robbie is due back at the end of this week but he won’t be involved in the Penzanze game but hopefully the week after," said Kafer.