Ireland and Lions hooker Shane Byrne has joined Saracens on a two-year deal. John O'Sullivan reports.

The 34-year-old had also been linked with another English club, Wasps, as it became apparent this week he would turn down a two-year contract offered by the Irish Rugby Football Union.

Byrne informed the union that he would not be taking up their offer, on Thursday, the day on which his contract elapsed. It is yet another blow for Leinster who have already lost Leo Cullen, Shane Jennings and David Quinlan.

Byrne is Ireland's current first-choice hooker having played 38 Test matches for his country and 135 appearances for Leinster. He made his debut for the province in 1992 but only won his first international cap in 2001 after being selected in a number of squads over the years. He will link up with Ireland's former defensive coach Mike Ford, who joins the club full-time from this season.

Britain rugby league captain Andy Farrell has switched codes to join Saracens, a club for whom both Paul Wallace and Darragh O'Mahony played. Ireland's Under-21 hooker Stuart Philpott is also at the club.

Bernard Jackman is likely to be Leinster's front-line hooker, disputing the spot with the Blaney brothers, David and Brian.