Big-money signing Tim Horan could miss more than a third of Saracens' Premiership season as he struggles to overcome a serious foot injury.

The Australian star, a double World Cup winner, is unlikely to be fit before October.

He has already made his final Test match appearance with the injury wrecking any chance of a planned farewell against South Africa in Durban on August 26th.

The 30-year-old could also miss his side's early European Cup matches.

Saracens launch their European campaign against Toulouse on the weekend of October 7th8th. Meanwhile fellow new arrival Thomas Castaignede is fully fit and playing a full part in pre-season training.

South Africa's rugby chiefs yesterday pledged their full support for beleaguered Springbok coach Nick Mallett, ending speculation he was to be sacked following a string of poor performances by the national team.

The management committee of the South African Rugby Union (SARFU) held a meeting here with Mallett and team manager Gideon Sam, after which it was announced that both coach and manager had the committee's full support.