Saracens set to benefit as Hodgson drifts away from Sharks

The 30-year-old Halifax-born England fly-half has spent 11 years at Sale but revealed at the weekend that he was seeking a new challenge.

As expected, Hodgson has opted to move south to fulfil his ambitions and increase the prospect of continuing his international revival.

"I am excited to be joining a club now recognised as the most ambitious and player-friendly in the Premiership," said Hodgson, who is the Premiership's record points scorer.

"Saracens have great people and great plans – there really is something special happening in north London, and I'm looking forward to being part of it."

Hodgson has been capped 34 times by England and as recently as the Autumn Internationals had found a way back, somewhat under the radar, into Martin Johnson's thinking.

He is expected to be named in Johnson's squad for the Six

Nations tomorrow.

At club level the Bradford Grammar School educated No 10 has been a stalwart for Sale since debuting for them in 2000. He won the Premiership title in 2006 and European Challenge Cup honours with the Manchester side in 2002 and 2005.

His next big act could be to help them avoid relegation as for the second season running, big-spending Sale find themselves battling Leeds Carnegie to avoid the drop.

Saracens, meanwhile, are chasing a berth in the top four and their director of rugby Mark McCall said: "As a club, we have been making massive strides over the past couple of years and the signing of Charlie Hodgson is another major step.

"He is a world class player whose personality and ability ideally suits our environment. Charlie was wanted by many leading clubs, and we are delighted he has chosen to sign with Saracens."

Wales have been dealt a major blow ahead of the RBS Six Nations with the news that prop Gethin Jenkins has been ruled out of the entire tournament with a toe

injury.

The Cardiff Blues loosehead has been struggling with the injury for some time and he will now have surgery on the problem on Wednesday, meaning he will be sidelined for 10 weeks.

The decision has been taken to allow the 76-cap forward to return in time for the Magners League run-in and ensure he will be fit for September's World Cup.

France lock Romain Millo-Chluski is also a doubt for the Six Nations after tearing a calf muscle whilst playing for Toulouse.