Saracens have received another boost ahead of their Champions Cup quarter-final showdown with Leinster.
The reigning European champs will have Brad Barritt available for the early September clash at the Aviva Stadium after the club captain agreed a short-term contract extension until the end of the current season.
The move follows veteran scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth's decision to stay on for the remainder of the campaign.
Barritt's England colleagues Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje, Mako and Billy Vunipola, Elliot Daly and Jamie George had already committed to staying after the club's relegation due to salary cap breaches.
And Director of Rugby Mark McCall is hopeful that Japan-bound Alex Goode and George Kruis will be available as their moves to the Far East may be delayed until after the Champions Cup.
However McCall has lost a number of top players ahead of the last eight tie, with Liam Williams, Will Skelton, Matt Gallagher (to Munster), Ben Spencer and Titi Lamositele all departing the club on a permanent basis.
Several others have left on season-long loans - Alex Lozowksi, Jack Singleton, Ben Earl, Nick Isiekwe, Max Malins and Nick Tompkins.
“I’m immensely excited to finish off the season," said centre Barritt, who will end his 12 year association with the club in the coming months.
"To still have the Champions Cup as a goal and focus point for us is immensely exciting.
“I also want to hopefully sign off on a positive note and enjoy these last few months as a Saracen.”
And McCall added: “Brad’s agreement to stay with the club until the conclusion of the 19/20 season is outstanding news.
“He has been a central figure in the development of our club for more than a decade and a truly great captain for the last five years.
“We are delighted that Brad will have the opportunity to end his time with us in the manner he so richly deserves".
