Saracens to add “one or two” more signings after securing George Martin

McCall says Martin’s ability to play at blind-side flanker, his physicality and his desire to win those top prizes motivated Saracens’ move for him.

“He’s the perfect age, he’s 24, already with a lot of experience behind him, both at club level and international level. He’s a real tough abrasive hard-hitting back-five forward,” McCall said.

“We were super impressed with him when we met, just what he wants to achieve in the years ahead and how hungry he is.”

Martin has been out since February with a shoulder issue and missed six weeks with a knee injury at the start of 2024.

However McCall says Saracens have done their “due diligence” before investing.

“We’ve talked to all the people that we needed to talk to, be assured that everything’s going to be fine for that point,” he said.

After their opening-round Champions Cup win over Clermont Auvergne last weekend, Saracens take on South Africa side Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

While Sharks suffered a 56-19 defeat by Toulouse last week and have won only once in their first six games in the United Rugby Championship, South Africa captain Siya Kolisi and a clutch of his international team-mates are available once more.

Grant Williams, Andre Esthuizen and Bongi Mbonambi could all feature.

“They’ve got one of the best squads in the competition, man for man,” said McCall.

“I know they’ve had a difficult start to their season, but they’re really massively disrupted by the Springbok programme and how many players are unavailable.”