Saracens Consider Move to Olympic Stadium

Saracens yesterday confirmed Eddie Jones will take control of coaching next season while talks continue with new backers whose injection of cash may lead to the club to leaving Vicarage Road, possibly for the 2012 Olympic Stadium. Jones, the 47-year-old former Australia coach, who also helped South Africa to their recent World Cup final victory over England, will sign a three-year contract and begins a new role as the club's director of rugby at the end of the season. Alan Gaffney will continue in a part-time role.

Meanwhile, the club is in talks with the South African businessman Johann Rupert, who once had plans to form his own club in London based on South African players. Rupert's company is expected to become a shareholder in Premier Team Holdings, an umbrella company for the rugby club, with Nigel Wray remaining as Saracens' chairman.

Mark Sinderberry, the club's chief executive, said yesterday talks were taking place with several companies and that a move from Watford, where Saracens play, is a possibility. The club has identified new sites in Hatfield, where Saracens are based during the week. Sinderberry said: "The Olympic Stadium could be one option but it won't be ready until 2012 and in the meantime we are happy at Vicarage Road. But if a partnership goes ahead these are exciting times for the club."

Saracens have been the Premiership's great underachievers despite Wray's investment of millions since the game turned professional in 1995. They have won only one domestic cup, 10 seasons ago. But Gaffney helped Saracens to fourth place in his first season last year, they are currently third in the Premiership and are challenging for three trophies with a major home game against Biarritz in the Heineken Cup next weekend. To add to the air of optimism Andy Farrell is also expected to sign a new deal next week.

Jones, who had a spell at Saracens two years ago, said: "I have a great base to work on here after Alan's good work. We have aspirations to challenge the likes of Leicester and Wasps and we need to build a strong academy to bring young English guys through.

"There won't be an influx of Australians or South Africans but hopefully we will cherry-pick some imported players if we can identify that they will become a big influence. Saracens have developed a style of play over the last couple of years. If the players swapped shirts I think you would still know they are Saracens."