Ryder gets a stint in New Zealand

Easy Ryder: Tom Ryder will play in the Air New Zealand Cup for Taranaki

Saracens second row Tom Ryder will head to New Zealand at the end of the season to play for Taranaki in the Air New Zealand Cup.

The trip, which is part of an agreement between the two sides, will give Ryder valuable rugby experience as he continues to develop.

The 23-year-old will finish the season with Saracens before flying out to New Zealand to be part of the Taranaki squad for the provincial championship which runs from July to October. He will then return to the North London club.

Ryder will work under a familiar face at Taranaki - the province where Saracens forwards coach Adrian Kennedy will be taking up the role of Head Coach this summer.

He will also be joined at Taranaki by a new signing in Iliesa Keresoni - Kameli Ratuvou's younger brother. The Fiji U19 international is joining the Saracens Academy next season but before coming to England, he will also spend the Air New Zealand Cup season with Taranaki.

"This is a terrific opportunity for Tom and the chance to get some more rugby under his belt," explained Eddie Jones who will be succeeding Alan Gaffney as Saracens Director of Rugby next season.

"Tom has not had a lot of game time this season, so playing in a tough competition like the Air New Zealand Cup will really help his development.

"This will benefit both players and we'd like to thank Taranaki for giving them the opportunity."