Horan commits to Saracens

Tim Horan: Player of the Tournament at World Cup 99

Tim Horan has retired from international rugby to pursue a new career with Allied Dunbar Premiership One side Saracens.

The Australian centre, who was named player of the tournament at the last World Cup, has sacrificed hope of winning 100 caps for his country to play at Vicarage Road.

Too many players hang on just that bit too long

Tim Horan

But he denies that he is simply looking for a lucrative pay cheque to see out his final playing years.

"I've made the decision that it is better to retire a year early than a year late," he said.

"It was a very difficult choice but I know I've decided on the right path.

"Too many players hang on just that bit too long. I don't want to carry on for another year just to play against the Lions or achieve a century of Tests.

"I got to sit on the bench for all three Tests in the 1993 Lions Tour. I didn't get on the field, but I've still got the jersey on my wall.

Pienaar: Glad to have Horan aboard

"I could have finished after winning my second World Cup, but I wanted to play another year in Australia. I felt I owed another season to Queensland."

He said he intended to give Saracens "value for money". The London side's bid for Horan was boosted by their qualification for Europe last Sunday.

Horan is likely to make his 86th and final appearance for the Wallabies against South Africa in the Tri-Nations next August.

Several high profile players have signed off their careers with Saracens, including South Africa's Francois Pienaar and both Thierry Lacroix and Phillipe Sella of France.

Pienaar, now coaching Sarries, welcomed the arrival of Horan, saying: "Tim has scored some of rugby's greatest ever tries. To have him with us at Saracens is an enormously exciting prospect."

Horan will line up alongside another French star, Thomas Castaignede, who signed for the Premiership outfit earlier this month.