Johns departs to play for Ulster

The Irish captain, after lengthy discussions with his current club, signed a contract with Ulster where he will end his playing career and pursue his ambition of running his own dentist surgery. The big second row forward will leave at the end of the season.

Johns joined Saracens at the advent of the professional era and has flourished since. A consistent string of performances both at club and national level resulted in his appointment as Ireland captain last year.

Fellow Irishman and Saracens team mate, Paul Wallace, said: "He has the respect of all the players for all the hard graft he puts in that often goes unnoticed.

"He has been around for so long and is the best captain I have played under in my 24 caps for Ireland."

Director of rugby, Mark Evans, added: "He has been a vital part of our first few years of professionalism and has done both himself and the club great credit.

"He has got the respect of people throughout the game at all levels and he never gives less than his all. We are very grateful for all he has done.

"Paddy's greatest impact has been leading by example and hence he holds the Irish captaincy. No one can fail to be impressed by his determination and selflessness.

"He will always be welcome here and will hopefully always be a part of the club. We wish him the very best."

Saracens were dealt a double blow this week when Johns' second row colleague Danny Grewcock tore the medial ligaments in his knee. He will be out of action for the next six to eight weeks.

The England international injured himself last Thursday while training, a massive dent to Sarries' efforts to qualify for European rugby next season.

Team administration manager Mike Scott said: "It's a disappointment for him but there is no reason why he cannot return before the end of the season and prove himself for the England squad in time for the World Cup."

England coach Clive Woodward contacted Grewcock after news broke of the injury and has said he is still part of Woodward's future England plans.

But despite the long lay off Grewcock remained quite upbeat.

He said: "Originally it was very disappointing particularly with the climax of the Five Nations and the end of the domestic season coming up.

"Now I have to focus on getting back into shape and be back for the end of the season. It depends on how it heals but by working hard with the trainers I hope to make a swift return."

Attentions for the season are now firmly focused on qualifying for European competition. After the defeat against Manchester Sale, any title hopes are firmly dead and buried.

Mark Evans said: "That is the only important goal for the season now. We want that second spot in the league. We have never played in Europe and it is what this club, the players and the fans need.

"European competition will be the future of the game and we must make sure we do not get left behind."

Sarries propose November start

SARACENS have made a stand against plans to play next season's domestic league during the World Cup and have put forward their own set of radical proposals.

Mark Evans and Mike Scott have tabled a plan to start the season from November 7, the day after the World Cup ends. The season would run into June. They will present the proposal to the EFDR in London on Tuesday.

The Premiership, including top Welsh sides, would be split into two conferences with the top four teams going through to a knock out tournament at the end of the season. The bottom sides would battle for relegation.

Other top clubs, including Bath and Newcastle, have backed the proposal but Scott fears it is too late for any changes to be made to Tom Walkinshaw's proposal of the start of the season coinciding with the World Cup.

Scott said: "It may be too late to get it changed but it would be a disaster. I can't see how it will be a success. Fans won't come to watch and financially and commercially it doesn't make sense. Most of the players won't even be available.

"By the time the World Cup is over a third of the season will have flown by. I understand that the season can't entirely stand still and something has to happen."

Evans and Scott have suggested a cup tournament similar to the Cheltenham and Gloucester Cup while the World Cup is being played.

But Scott said without further action, the season would be doomed to failure as a lesser tournament

Scott said: "Why not play the season off the back of the World Cup? In 1991 the tournament sparked immense interest in the domestic game. As before it will result in people coming to games who had never watched rugby before. It is just what the game needs.

"To try and compete against the biggest competition in world rugby is ridiculous."

Richard Hill and Kyran Bracken have again been chosen for the England XV to play France at Twickenham on Saturday. Bracken keeps his place at scrum-half, this time combining with Bath's Mike Catt at number ten, while Hill remains at blindside flanker.

Paddy Johns will lead out Ireland on Saturday at Murryfield -- his 50th cap for his country. Paul Wallace will be determined to shine after a tough game against Jason Leonard a fortnight ago.

The tight-head prop said: "We have got to put the England game behind us. Tidying up the first phase ball is particularly crucial."

Saracens' back coach, Paul Turner, is currently watching the Super 12 tournament to gather coaching tips from Otago Highlanders for the remainder of the season.

Two of Saracens star studded squad will be taking to the field at Tring Rugby Club for a charity rugby match on Sunday.

Fly-half Alain Penaud and centre Jeremy Thomson will be joined by former England captain Will Carling as the star guests for a match in aid of Disability for Sport England.

Following the match an auction of rugby memorabilia will be held at The Grand Junction Arms in Bulbourne, sited on the Grand Union Canal, just outside Tring.

All are welcome to the event which kicks off is at 3pm. For further information contact Anne-Louise Harvey at Saracens on 01923 496200 ext 203.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.