Matt Stevens, currently in the middle of a two-year drugs ban from rugby union, is to join Saracens in January 2011 when his suspension expires, the English Premiership side announced Monday.

England prop Stevens was banned last year from all rugby after testing positive for cocaine while a player with Sarries' Premiership rivals Bath.

A statement issued Monday by Saracens said the 27-year-old would join the club on January 19, 2011 upon completion of his two-year period of ineligibility.

It added "he will not train with the Saracens squad or be integrated within the club in any way until his ban has expired".

Brendan Venter, Saracens' director of rugby, said: "This is a massively significant signing for the club - it demonstrates the scale of our ambition, and it also shows that top players recognise Saracens as a well run club with a bright future.

"Matt is a world class prop with his best rugby ahead of him, and I'm sure he will flourish in our environment."

Stevens, capped 32 times by England since 2004, and a member of the 2005 British and Irish Lions squad, added: "I am looking forward to launching the next phase of my rugby career at Saracens in January next year.

"I have many great memories and friends in Bath, but there is something special happening at Saracens and I am very eager to be part of it."

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