USA international Will Hooley believes Saracens’ ‘world-class’ environment is the perfect place to enhance his game, following his move from Championship big-hitters Bedford Blues.

The 26-year-old will link up with the reigning English and European champions ahead of next season, during which Mark McCall’s men will play in the second tier following their automatic relegation from the top flight.

Cambridge-born Hooley signed for the Blues from Exeter ahead of the 2017/18 season and soon earned an international call-up to the American side, for whom he has since amassed 15 Test caps and represented during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

On signing for The Men in Black, Hooley said: “It was such an easy decision to make the move. Everything the club has built over the years, both on and off the field, is something to be admired.

“Ultimately, I wanted to test myself and challenge myself and I’ll do that around some of the best players in the world, some of the best youngsters.

“I’ve been craving to get back to that elite, everyday environment and Sarries is probably one of the best in Europe, probably one of the best in the world, so overall for my career this is a great move.”

For director of rugby McCall, Hooley is a welcome addition to his squad tasked with returning to the Premiership at the first time of asking.

“We are excited to welcome Will to the Saracens family,” he said. “He will bring a wealth of experience having played in the Premiership, more recently in the Championship and at a World Cup.

“Will is ambitious to move his game forward and we look forward to helping him do that at the club.”