Saracens return to Watford's Vicarage Road next season

Watford and Saracens have been in talks since March over a new deal

Saracens have struck a deal with Watford to play at Vicarage Road again next season.

The short-term deal will see Sarries hold at least 10 home games at the Hertfordshire ground following delays to their new stadium in Barnet.

Watford, who have hosted Saracens for the last 14 years, have secured "enhanced terms" for the arrangement.

"We're grateful to Watford," Sarries chief executive Edward Griffiths told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"It's not ideal for them, it's not ideal for us but we're in a process which we don't control.

"It's become clear to us that the stadium is not going to be ready for the start of next season."

Hornets' owner Laurence Bassini added: "The club is happy to welcome Saracens back to our stadium next season.

"They approached us to see if we could take into account their current situation with regard to their ongoing Copthall Stadium negotiations.

"Given the long-standing relationship between Watford and Saracens, it is only right that we considered their request."

The deal includes an option for additional matches beyond the initial 10, with pre-agreed payment terms for each game.

Saracens had hoped to complete work on their plans to redevelop Copthall Stadium in time for the beginning of the 2011/12 season.

But delays in the planning application stage have pushed back the completion date, with the most recent estimate being a January 2012 opening.