Saracens have halted ambitious plans to sign South African stars Bryan Habana and Schalk Burger on loan.

The Men in Black have been linked with the players over the last year and there were reports they were keen on bringing them in for ten games for £50,000 each.

But Sarries chief executive Edward Griffiths says the club, which have soared to the top of the Guinness Premiership, felt potential loan deals could disrupt their team spirit.

Griffiths said: "We did think about signing Burger and Habana on loan but we now have no plans to bring in anyone at all.

"It looked an option at one time but we are now concerned at the potential disruption to the squad that bringing in players temporarily could cause. Our unbeaten start has been based on camaraderie and spirit and we do not want to do anything that would jeopardise that."

Saracens could yet face the two stars next month when they take on world champions South Africa at Wembley.