THE now seasonal clearout is well underway as Saracens strive to build a team capable of returning the glory times.

The wealth of talent on the way out is startling, with full internationals Craig Quinnell, Christian Califano and David Flatman joining a list which already included Matt Cairns and Stuart Hooper, while Kieran Roche and Gerald Arasa were deemed surplus in January.

With Abdel Benazzi and Tim Horan retiring and youngsters Michael Aspinall, Stuart Brady and Luke Harbut not considered good enough, Bramley Road could become a lonely place.

However, many of the departures have coincided with arrivals as head coach Wayne Shelford goes about the task of replacing an entire front row.

Simon Raiwalui, from Newport, and Harlequins' Alex Codling are both locks, while Andy Kershaw prospered as a loose head prop for London Wasps.

In addition, utility back Nathan McAvoy arrived earlier in the year from rugby league side Bradford Bulls (although injury has restricted him to just 16 minutes in a Sarries shirt) and Rod Kafer has been signed from tomorrow's (Saturday) opponents Leicester, predominantly to plug holes in the backs during the World Cup.

Two tight head props are also on the shopping list, and head coach Wayne Shelford will be anxious to have them in place before they kick-off next season with a trip to Newcastle on Sunday, September 9.

May 30, 2003 11:30