Saracens loan Blair Cowan

Saracens have confirmed the signing of London Irish forward Blair Cowan on a loan deal until the end of the 2017/18 season.

The Scottish international arrives from London Irish and bolsters Mark McCall’s options in the back-row, with Schalk Burger, Calum Clark, Joel Conlon, Michael Rhodes and Billy Vunipola ruled out for varied periods.

Cowan, who has 17 Scotland caps, featured at the 2015 Rugby World Cup and recently made his 100th appearance for Irish.

An integral part of the Exiles’ side for five years, the 31-year-old adds vital experience to the squad ahead of a busy run in.

“We’re very fortunate to bring in a player of Blair’s experience and quality,” director of rugby McCall said.

“He will provide great cover for the amount of injuries we have in the back row and we’re extremely grateful to London Irish for allowing him to join us.”

The 31-year-old has faced stiff competition for a place in the back-row in recent weeks at London Irish, and with Arno Botha, Conor Gilsenan, Ofisa Treviranus, Jake Schatz and Max Northcote-Green all in good form, Cowan makes the move to Allianz Park in a bid to get himself valuable minutes on the field.

“We have a number of players performing well in the back-row at present, and this loan move will allow Blair to get some valuable game time under his belt,” said London Irish director of rugby Nick Kennedy.

“The deal also means that Blair will continue playing high intensity rugby and this will stand him in good stead for a return to London Irish.”

Cowan can be recalled on notice as part of the loan agreement.