Harlequins add Sooialo to list of new recruits

Harlequins have recruited the Pacific Island Warriors scrum-half Steven Sooialo on a two-year contract.

Sooialo, who has featured in two World Cups for Samoa and accumulated 32 caps, is in training for the Warriors' match against New Zealand tomorrow, but will link up with Quins at the end of the month.

Harlequins' chief executive, Mark Evans, said: "Steven brings with him a wealth of experience to a key position in the team.

"He was outstanding at last year's World Cup, particularly in the game against England, and I'm confident he'll become a valuable member of the squad." The 27-year-old Sooialo played for the National One runners-up, Orrell, last season and will provide back-up for the first-choice scrum-half Simon Keogh.

Quins are also looking to recruit a third No 9 following Scott Bemand's departure for Leicester last month, while another second row is also on the Stoop wish list. Sooialo will join Dafydd James, Maama Molitika, Jeremy Staunton and Joe Mbu among the new faces at the Twickenham-based club, who began pre-season training on Monday.

Saracens have signed the fly-half Glen Jackson on a one-year deal, but will delay his arrival until October. The 28-year-old goal-kicking Waikato Chiefs and Bay of Plenty playmaker will join up with Saracens in October following the end of his commitments with Bay of Plenty.

The Saracens head coach, Rod Kafer, said: "We are delighted that Glen will be joining us next season. He is a very skilful player, an excellent goal-kicker and meets our recruitment criteria.

"He is in the right age bracket and brings with him a wealth of experience from the Super 12 and NPC [National Provincial Championship] competitions. He's not had the international recognition we feel a player of his quality deserves, but that may be something he addresses while with us." Kafer added: "Initially he has joined us on a one-year deal but we are hopeful that we will have the opportunity of extending this further."