FRANCOIS PIENAAR finally got his man on Tuesday when he unveiled South African prop Pierre Durant as the man to supplement his injury-hit and inexperienced front row.

The 25-year-old, who qualifies as an EU player through his wife Vicky, joins from Eastern Province on a six-month contract as cover for the injuries to Romain Magellan and the over-used duo of Luke Harbut and Sean Phillips.

Durant comes with a sound track record, having played in the final of the Students' World Cup last year and in the Currie Cup, South Africa's premier rugby tournament.

"I've been wanting to come over to play in Europe for a while now and targeted the end of this season's Currie Cup," said the 177kg tight-head.

"I have been in touch with Saracens for the last ten days, and was delighted when we agreed the deal late last week. It was then just a case of getting a flight."

Durant now becomes the fifth South African at the club, something which clearly had a bearing on his decision to join the Premiership outfit.

"I have obviously heard of the club, and with fellow countrymen Pienaar, De Beer, Smith and Sparg all there I knew it was going to be a good choice."

After undergoing a fitness assessment this week, Durant is unlikely to feature in Sunday's visit of Newcastle but is relishing pulling on the black shirt.

"I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in, and I know that I have come here as part of the squad and will have to work hard to get into the starting line up," he said.

"I know it is a very young squad here, but that just means that there is bags of enthusiasm which is great to work off off. I wanted a new challenge and I've got it."

December 13, 2001 11:30