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Canadian forward Kyle Baillie has joined up with Aviva Premiership club Saracens on trial and will suit up for the team in Friday’s Anglo-Welsh Cup match against Scarlets. A blindside flanker or lock, sources indicate that a short term deal as an injury dispensation signing is on offer, with a full-time place at a Greene King IPA Championship club for the rest of the season also available. Should he come to an agreement with the club, he would be the third Canadian to sign a Premiership contract since the November international series.
Connor Braid joined Worcester Warriors immediately following the European tour, and Jake Ilnicki signed for Northampton Saints in December. Evan Olmstead arrived at Newcastle Falcons on a two-year deal in the off-season, signing after a short stint with London Scottish.
Baillie emerged as front line international in 2016, making his test debut during the Americas Rugby Championship and maintaining his spot as first choice on the flank in the June internationals. He impressed as a second row for the Ohio Aviators during the PRO Rugby season, and then traveled to the UK and Uruguay with Canada ‘A’ before earning plaudits for his performance against Ireland in November. A native of Summerside, PEI, the 25-year-old has won eight senior caps in total for Canada.
