Former Saints target Kpoku signs new Saracens deal

Former Saints target Joel Kpoku has signed a new deal at Saracens.
Joel Kpoku has opted to stay at SaracensJoel Kpoku has opted to stay at Saracens
Joel Kpoku has opted to stay at Saracens

The 20-year-old looked destined to move to Franklin's Gardens after seemingly agreeing a switch earlier this season.

But with Saracens' salary cap troubles causing the club to shed players, new opportunities have since opened up for Kpoku at Allianz Park.

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The likes of George Kruis and Will Skelton will not be part of Saracens' bid to win promotion from the Championship next season.

And that means Kpoku's first-team chances will be significantly enhanced, with the lock preferring to remain at the club where he came through the Academy.

“I’m over the moon to re-sign at such a great club,” Kpoku said. “The group of players that are at this club are really special.

“Coming through the Junior Academy with a few of the boys, we’ve come a long way and it was non-negotiable for me to want stay around and push on.

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“Next year will be a really good challenge for us, especially the younger guys. It’s about staying together and hopefully we’ll do a good job.”

Kpoku, who joined Saracens' Junior Academy in 2015, scored on his senior debut against Leicester Tigers in the Premiership Rugby Cup back in October 2018.

He went on to earn a Premiership debut in the same season and played a key role in helping Saracens Storm lift the Premiership Rugby Shield at the end of the 2018/19 campaign.

And Saracens boss Mark McCall said: “Joel is a young player who has made steady progress over the last few years, having excelled in our Academy.

“He is dedicated to doing what is necessary to improve his game and we are excited to watch him continue his development at the club.”