Flier Earle may stay for a season in New Zealand

SARACENS backs coach Kevin Sorrell hopes a spell in New Zealand rugby will give forgotten wing Nathan Earle a chance to fulfil his rich potential.

Earle shot to prominence in 2014 by helping England U20s retain the Junior World Cup, but his progress was curtailed by a ruptured Achilles suffered on his first outing of the following season on loan at Bedford, meaning a year out of the game.

Earle, right, spent time at London Scottish last season and is currently training with Christchurch-based Canterbury ahead of their ITM Cup campaign.

Sorrell told TRP: “It sounds like Nathan’s going well so there’s a chance he might stay at Canterbury for the whole season.

“It’s good for boys to get that exposure outside their own environment and we’ve done it before with Will Fraser and Jackson Wray, who spent time at Stellenbosch University.

“Nathan missed a year of rugby but we’re hoping he can make up lost ground because he’s a massive talent with his footwork, pace and ability to beat people.

“He’s got skills you can’t teach and we’ve got a lot of hope for him.”

Meanwhile promising Saracens full-back Ben Ransom this week completed his move to London Irish.

A former England U20 star, the 24year-old, below, spent six seasons with the Champions and has previously spent time playing in the second tier with Bedford Blues. “Ben is a great acquisition,” director of rugby Nick Kennedy said. “He has Championship experience which will be very useful as we gear up for what will be a very competitive campaign.”