IRISH LOCK MARK Flanagan has signed for English Premiership powerhouse Saracens on a two-year contract.
26-year-old Flanagan has enjoyed an impressive season with Bedford Blues in the English Championship to earn his move to the reigning Premiership champions.
Flanagan wins lineout ball for the Blues against the Ulster Ravens. Presseye / Declan Roughan/INPHO
Presseye / Declan Roughan/INPHO / Declan Roughan/INPHO
The Blues suffered a 45-16 defeat to promotion favourites Bristol in last weekend’s semi-final first leg, leaving them unlikely to advance into the play-off final, but Flanagan will be playing Premiership rugby next season.
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Flanagan has played 18 times for Bedford since joining from Pro D2 side Mont-de-Marsan last summer. The Westmeath native spent two years in the French second tier after leaving Leinster in 2013.
The 6′ 7″ lock has played for Ireland at U18, U19 and U20 levels and made his senior Leinster debut against Glasgow in 2010. Flanagan went on to earn a further eight appearances for his home province, but left in search of more playing opportunities at Mont-de-Marsan.
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall says the club have been tracking Flanagan in recent seasons and expressed his pleasure at the signing.
“We have been watching Mark for some time and he has proved himself one of the most impressive lock forwards in the Championship,” said McCall. “We’re delighted he’s chosen to advance his career at Saracens.”
Flanagan in Leinster colours in 2011. Cathal Noonan / INPHO
Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO
Flanagan expressed his own excitement at joining Saracens, who lead the Premiership and will compete against Racing 92 in the Champions Cup final on 14 May.
“Joining Saracens is a fantastic opportunity for me,” said Flanagan. “Sarries have a proven track record of developing players and I can’t wait to get started next season.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Bedford Blues and I’m grateful for the support they have shown me but I’m really looking forward to joining such a fantastic club.”
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Ex-Leinster lock Flanagan joins Premiership powerhouse Saracens
IRISH LOCK MARK Flanagan has signed for English Premiership powerhouse Saracens on a two-year contract.
26-year-old Flanagan has enjoyed an impressive season with Bedford Blues in the English Championship to earn his move to the reigning Premiership champions.
The Blues suffered a 45-16 defeat to promotion favourites Bristol in last weekend’s semi-final first leg, leaving them unlikely to advance into the play-off final, but Flanagan will be playing Premiership rugby next season.
Flanagan has played 18 times for Bedford since joining from Pro D2 side Mont-de-Marsan last summer. The Westmeath native spent two years in the French second tier after leaving Leinster in 2013.
The 6′ 7″ lock has played for Ireland at U18, U19 and U20 levels and made his senior Leinster debut against Glasgow in 2010. Flanagan went on to earn a further eight appearances for his home province, but left in search of more playing opportunities at Mont-de-Marsan.
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall says the club have been tracking Flanagan in recent seasons and expressed his pleasure at the signing.
“We have been watching Mark for some time and he has proved himself one of the most impressive lock forwards in the Championship,” said McCall. “We’re delighted he’s chosen to advance his career at Saracens.”
Flanagan expressed his own excitement at joining Saracens, who lead the Premiership and will compete against Racing 92 in the Champions Cup final on 14 May.
“Joining Saracens is a fantastic opportunity for me,” said Flanagan. “Sarries have a proven track record of developing players and I can’t wait to get started next season.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Bedford Blues and I’m grateful for the support they have shown me but I’m really looking forward to joining such a fantastic club.”
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