Ben Jacobs is relishing the challenge of helping transform Saracens into a Premiership and European powerhouse.

The Waratahs centre has signed a three year deal with the Men in Black after being lured to England by new boss and countryman Eddie Jones.

And while he might not be as well known on these shores as two of Sarries' other new faces in Wikus van Heerden and Steve Borthwick, Jacobs is determined to make a name for himself in a league he believes is one of the toughest in world rugby.

The 26-year-old, who will battle it out with Kevin Sorrell for the outside centre berth, said: "I'm very excited about my move to Saracens. They are a fantastic club and I'm very lucky to have this opportunity.

"Eddie played a very big part in my decision - he has been coaching at the highest level for a long time and I jumped at the chance to be coached by him. It's clear once you've met Eddie that he doesn't settle for anything but the best and I can see Saracens being a very competitive European team in the next couple of years.

"Eddie is already starting to build a very strong team of players and administrators so I have no doubt Saracens will be right up there."

Upping sticks to play rugby on the other side of the globe is a decision Jacobs did not make lightly and he sought the advice of his English wife Kyla and former Tahs team-mates, London Irish full-back Peter Hewat and Bath centre Shaun Berne.

"I spoke to several people including Peter and Shaun who both love playing over in the Premiership and spoke very highly of the standard of rugby there. I think it's up there as one of the strongest leagues around and after speaking to Pete and Shaun, they say it's week in, week out the toughest rugby they've played.

"Kyla also had a big influence in my decision. It's often difficult for partners when moving overseas however, we've been lucky that the place we felt best for my career was also best for her too - with her career and her having family in London. We're both very excited."

Sometime wing Jacobs played 43 times for current Super 14 runners-up Waratahs since bursting onto the scene in 2003 but says the time was right to further his career abroad.

"I did feel it was time to go," he added. "I loved my years at the Waratahs and made some life-long friends. They gave me my first opportunity which I will always be grateful for, but I think it is definitely time to move on and look for new challenges. I feel that Saracens are the perfect club for me right now and I honestly can't wait to get started."

The Australian A star arrives at Saracens with a fine pedigree having been named Waratahs best back of 2007, however, he faces a stiff challenge in trying to displace Sorrell from the starting line-up, the Men in Black veteran and long-standing unofficial title holder of Most Consistent Player.

"Kevin Sorrell is a fantastic player and having played over 250 games for Saracens, he is a very important asset to the club," said Jacobs of his shirt rival. "I'm very excited about the challenge I have in making the team and look forward to working with Kevin and the other players.

"Winning best back was a great achievement but I'm only 26 and see myself playing for another five to seven years. Moving to Saracens and playing under Eddie gives me a fresh start and I see that as a great opportunity to continue improving my game and becoming a better player, which I'm sure I can be."