Romanian champions Timisaora confirm collaboration with Saracens

It has now been confirmed that English Premiership leaders Saracens are to join a partnership with the reigning Romanian SuperLiga champions Timisoara.

The rumours are now confirmed, Premiership leaders Saracens who are in the hunt for a double this season have added the SuperLiga champions Timisoara to their "Global Network", which already includes partnerships with clubs from Abu Dhabi, Sao Paulo, Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur, Moscow and Tonga.

An official statement from Saracens doesn't say much, but the Timisoara statement goes in more detail, first of stating that despite all the clubs mentioned above changing their name or logo to incorporate Saracens, says that there will be no name change, emblem change or kit change as part of the deal.

The partnership doesn't seem to be direct funding, but mostly seems to revolve around a coaching and knowledge exchange. Timisoara will gain additional expertise from one of the top clubs in Europe, and possibly one of their players may now have a better chance at making a career at an elite level. As for what's in it for Saracens, they are thought to be keen on expanding their brand across the world as a leading rugby club.

The Romanians have also been given encouragement as they look set to compete in a new reformed Europe, where they will have a chance to aspire to greater heights than before where their participation was barred. Saracens CEO Eddie Griffiths also again mentioned support to an expanded international scene in Europe along the lines of the domestic reform.

Chester Williams

Griffiths worked as part of the 1995 World Cup team in South Africa, and it was through his contacts made there with former Springboks wing Chester Williams, who was up until recent Timisoara head coach, that helped the partnership come about.

Timisoara are probably the strongest club that Saracens have linked up with as yet, one of the best in Europe outside the 3 main leagues and may be one of the leading contenders to reach the Rugby Challenge Cup (pending more details on the tournament).