Christian Califano has signed a three-year deal with Zurich Premiership club Saracens.

The French prop will join international team-mate Thomas Castaignede at Vicarage Road for the start of the 2002/03 season.

Califano has revealed that he is looking forward to playing in England for a "famous club".

"Saracens have a good reputation. They are not all strangers to me with guys like Castaignede, Abdel Benazzi and Kyran Bracken there," he said.

"Playing in the Zurich Premiership is also something I'm excited about."

Califano, capped 65 times for his country, has been playing his club rugby with New Zealand Super 12 side Auckland and previously enjoyed a spell at Toulouse.

Saracens hope he will be a foundation stone in their young, developing side.

Chief executive Peter Deakin said: "He will add some tremendous beef and experience to our pack.

"There's no doubt he will be a real cornerstone for us and an excellent tutor."