New boys check in

By Jason Harris
July 15 2002

Pre-season training for Saracens got off to a low-key start on Monday with players making and renewing acquaintances, trying on the brand-new Reebok training kit and bracing themselves for a busy week under the watchful eyes of Wayne Shelford, Pat Fox and the rest of the coaching team.

Any worries over the participation of Christian Califano, Toulouse litigation and all, were quickly dispelled as he was seen chatting to Thomas Castaignede and Craig Yandell.

The other Craig, man mountain Quinnell, was getting used to his new surroundings along with fellow new signing Andy Goode.

Abdel Benazzi was also seen at the ground by some of the supporters keen to know the makeup of the 2002-03 squad. In Monday's Telegraph it was reported that the French international has rejected the rumoured move to Sale Sharks and it could well be that he will stay with Sarries and see out his two year contract, signed in July 2001.

The players are to undergo some benchmarking fitness tests before training proper takes over for the rest of the week.