SARACENS' elation at reaching the final of the Zurich Wildcard has been tempered by the news that hooker Matt Cairns has signed for Sale Sharks.

The 24-year-old from Liverpool, called up to the England squad for the forthcoming clash with the Barbarians, is understood to have wanted to stay at Vicarage Road but turned down a new contract offered at reduced terms.

"Matt is one of the most highly rated young hookers in the Zurich Premiership and we are delighted he has agreed to join us," said Sharks head coach Jim Mallinder.

Sarries are unlikely to seek a replacement for the former England Under-21 captain as they still have Joe Ross, Robbie Russell and James Parkes still on the books.

Cairns, who scored Sarries only try against Leeds on Sunday, becomes the second player to be confirmed as leaving the club this summer with Stuart Hooper having already signed for Leeds Tykes.

The pair could be joined by Ben Johnston, who has been linked with Leeds and Harlequins, David Flatman, who is pondering over a move to Bath and Tom Shanklin who is likely to be released from the final year of his contract to join Cardiff.

May 19, 2003 11:30