Sarries sign All Blacks Marshall

Saracens have swooped to sign former New Zealand star Justin Marshall from French club Montpellier until the end of the season.

Marshall returns to the Guinness Premiership following an earlier spell at Leeds, from where he joined Ospreys and then Montpellier.

Saracens boss Eddie Jones has secured the 35-year-old's services after Neil de Kock broke his arm during last Sunday's victory over Bristol. The South African faces between eight and 12 weeks out.

Marshall won 88 caps for the All Blacks, but while he will link up with Saracens this weekend, he will not be considered for the European Challenge Cup clash against Viadana at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

Jones said: "Justin is one of the most experienced scrum-halves in the world and a really tough competitor.

"He will provide great support for (scrum-halves) Moses (Rauluni) and Mickey (Wilson), and we are lucky to be able to sign someone with his knowledge of the game.

"We've got an exciting few months ahead of us as we challenge for trophies in the European Challenge Cup and Guinness Premiership, and we are looking forward to Justin playing his part in that."

Marshall, the second most capped player in All Blacks history behind Sean Fitzpatrick, has been released early from his one-year contract at Montpellier.

He said: "After recent discussions with Montpellier in relation to my one-year contract, it was mutually agreed that I wouldn't renew.

"In light of the current changes at Montpellier, and the Saracens approach, the timing fits just right. Montpellier have been very attentive in their listening and have facilitated me making a quick decision."