Saracens tie up 10 player contracts

Hougaard and Botha are among 10 players to get new deals

Saracens have handed new deals to 10 players, including Derick Hougaard, Mouritz Botha, Owen Farrell, Chris Wyles and Jamie George.

James Short, Hugh Vyvyan, Justin Melck, Jackson Wray and Hayden Smith have also received new contracts.

South African fly-half Hougaard, 28, has not featured since rupturing an Achilles tendon in October.

"This has been an unbelievably frustrating year for me," he told the club website.

"However, I'm now on my way back to full fitness, and I am pleased to have agreed a new contract with Saracens.

"Now I can't wait to get back into the black jersey and repay the special support I have received from the club."

Hougaard, who has undergone three separate operations this season, has seen 19-year-old Farrell fill the void he left at number 10.

The England Under-20 cap has scored 177 points in 25 games this term.

"I have been given fantastic opportunities this season, and I have enjoyed the new responsibility," he said.

"I'm still young and have a great deal to learn, and I am very happy to commit my future to a club that matches my ambition.

"When I think about what this group can achieve together, well, it's really exciting and special."

South-African born, but English qualified Botha has had an impressive season at lock for the Premiership finalists.

"Two years ago I was working in Bedford, thinking my chance of playing rugby at the highest level had gone," he said.

"Then I was given the opportunity to play for Saracens and, with a lot of hard work and loads of help and good advice, everything has gone well.

"I don't care how many times it's been said because it's true - there is something special happening at Saracens and, like everybody else connected with the club, I'm very happy to be part of it."

American pair Smith and Wyles have put in 19 and 26 appearances respectively, Smith at lock and Wyles on the wing.

While 34-year-old veteran Vyvyan and youngsters George, Wray, Short and Melck have all contributed to Sarries' journey to Saturday's play-off final with Leicester at Twickenham.