Saracens confirm ex-Wallaby Jermaine Ainsley's move is cancelled

Saracens have confirmed that Jermaine Ainsley’s summer move to London will not go ahead, as reported by RugbyPass.

The 30-year-old tighthead prop had agreed a move to the StoneX Stadium in February upon the expiry of his contract with the Top 14’s Lyon at the end of the season.

However, the three-cap Australia international had his contract terminated last month for personal reasons and due to an ongoing back issue, allowing him to return to the country of his birth, New Zealand.

“To accommodate his desire to return home to New Zealand, Jermaine Ainsley will be released from his contract at the end of the month,” Lyon shared on social media in April. “The president and the entire club would like to thank him for his dedication and commitment during his two seasons with LOU!”

Saracens have now issued a brief statement, confirming that the prop, who represented the Maori All Blacks in 2022, will not join the club ahead of next season.

“Saracens can confirm that, due to personal reasons, Jermaine Ainsley will return to the Southern Hemisphere following the early termination of his contract with Lyon,” the statement reads.

“As a result, he will not join the club for the 2026/27 season. We wish him all the very best for the future.”

The cancelled move means Saracens will be light on tighthead props next season, with Italy international Marco Riccioni joining Perpignan at the end of the campaign.

Elsewhere at the club, 25-year-old tighthead prop Harvey Beaton has signed a new deal.

“We are thrilled that Harvey, another graduate of our outstanding academy, has chosen to extend his time at the club,” departing director of rugby Mark McCall said. “He has patiently worked hard on developing his game and we are confident that his best days lie ahead.”