British and Irish Lions

Prop Deon Carstens featured for the Springboks in the first Test win over Sir Ian McGeechan's tourists last June.

The 30-year-old loose head has now signed for Guinness Premiership outfit Saracens ahead of the 2010/11 season.

Carstens has made 80 appearances for the Sharks in Super rugby and was a part of the Sharks side beaten 39-3 by Britain and Ireland's elite in the fourth match of the 2009 tour.

His signing comes days after Sarries stated that they would not block Soane Tonga'uiha's wish to stay at Northampton despite the in-form Tongan having supposedly committed himself to a move to Vicarage Road earlier this year.

"Sometimes in life things just seem to work in your favour - we are delighted to have signed Deon for next season," Saracens' director of rugby Brendan Venter.

"More than a world class loosehead on the field, he is also an outgoing and infectious character - exactly the kind of person who will enjoy and enhance the spirit within our squad."

Sam Warburton says he is 'absolutely delighted' after being chosen to lead The British & Irish Lions in Saturday's first Test match against the Qantas Wallabies.

British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland admits he and his assistants faced some tough selection calls when picking the side to face the Qantas Wallabies in Saturday's first Test.

Less than four kilometres away from the Suncorp Stadium, venue for the opening Test between the British & Irish Lions and Qantas Wallabies on Saturday, lies the grave of the man who took the starring role in the first international between the two teams in 1899.