MARK SINDERBERRY, general manager of top Australian rugby union side ACT Brumbies will join Saracens as new chief executive in February after Peter Deakin officially stepped down from the post on Wednesday due to health reasons.

A hugely popular figure at the club, Deakin had rejoined Saracens earlier in the year his initial stint at Vicarage Road saw Saracens emerge as one of the top sides in the country both on and off the pitch although he will still be involved in the Saracens Foundation.

However, the capture of his replacement, Sinderberry, will be seen as something of a major coup. Sinderberry has been the driving force behind the Brumbies assault on Australian Rugby they reached the final of the Super 12's earlier in the year since their formation seven years ago and he is excited about the challenge of working in England.

Speaking from Australia, Sinderberry said: "It's a great opportunity to be able to work with Saracens and while I'm looking forward to the challenge, it will be difficult to leave Canberra and what has been established from a rugby point of view.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my seven years with the ACT Rugby Union and will take many fond memories with me."

Not surprisingly, Saracens' owner Nigel Wray is delighted with the appointment.

"We are sure that his undoubted track record, skills and enthusiasm will be a tremendous asset to the club. He will be joining an ambitious club that wants to keep pushing forward in all areas in terms of success on the field and business and commercial ventures off it," said Wray.

"All of us connected with the club want to build something that we can be proud of. At Sarries we want to maintain the traditions of rugby that make it a great sport combining this with innovative thinking and actions. I am sure that Mark will make a significant impact," Wray added.

December 13, 2002 11:30