Saracens today continued their extensive rebuilding program by adding Ireland's defensive kingpin Mike Ford to the Vicarage Road coaching staff.
The former Great Britain rugby league scrum-half, who helped steer the Irish to their first Triple Crown in 19 years during the 2004 RBS 6 Nations, will arrive in Watford in time for next season.
Ford will still serve as Ireland's defensive co-ordinator - a role he has filled with distinction - but will be on duty for Saracens when there is a break in the international schedule.
Saracens boss Rod Kafer said: "Mike will work on both defence and attack and he'll also work closely with the back line. His background in rugby league makes him well suited for this role.
"He has been an important part of the Ireland set-up for the past three years and he's played a major role in their success over recent seasons. We're delighted he is joining us."
Perennial underachievers Saracens have endured another wretched season but no-one can accuse the club of not trying to revive their fortunes.
In the past two weeks they have signed five new players - including England internationals Alex Sanderson and Dan Scarbrough - and Kafer revealed on Saturday that he expects many more to arrive before the season is over.
Off the pitch, Ford will be the second fresh arrival after coach Steve Diamond was lured away from Sale Sharks and the former Wigan star admitted it was the club's ambition which convinced him to sign up.
He said: "When I met Rod, we hit it off instantly. We have the same ideas. "He's got a great record as a player and is widely respected as one of the best young coaches in the game.
"With Steve Diamond also joining Saracens, there is a young coaching team at the club, but everyone at Saracens is ambitious - as am I.
"The club is very forward thinking and they have a good set-up - that's another reason why the job appealed to me."