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Will Hooley is set to join Saracens on a two-year contract, per multiple sources. UK publication The Rugby Paper broke the story on Sunday. The US Eagles international will make the move from Bedford Blues, where he has been a regular starter at flyhalf since signing from Exeter Chiefs in 2017.
Saracens are looking to bolster their squad as they drop to England’s second division for the first time in the professional era. The defending European and Premiership champions were relegated to the Championship for repeat breaches of the salary cap.
Several players have opted to leave the club including England international Alex Lozowski. With top academy prospect Max Malins being loaned to Bristol next season and Owen Farrell expected to miss much of the season with international obligations, it leaves England u20 squad member Manu Vunipola as the only returning flyhalf on the roster.
The contract length will see Hooley competing against Bedford in the Championship for one season, with an odds-on return to the Premiership for 2021-22. He has made 11 appearances in the top flight previously including two starts, both with former club Northampton Saints.
Hooley, himself an England u20 cap, made his test debut for the Eagles against Canada in February 2018. He played in three of the USA’s four matches at Rugby World Cup 2019. The 26-year-old is a native of Cambridge and qualifies for the Eagles through his American grandmother.
