Second-rower Mouritz Botha has joined the South African revolution at Premiership outfit Saracens, but director of rugby Mike Rayer has moved quickly to strengthen his hand with the acquisition of Ben Lewitt, who played for the Blues in the 2004-5 season, from neighbours Northampton Saints.

Although it would be easy to put two and two together and see Lewitt as a straight swap for Botha, Rayer claimed that that wasn't the case.
He said: "We've been talking to Ben for a while and it's purely a coincidence how it has happened.

"He had a good season when he was here last time and, importantly, he wanted to come back."

With Lewitt's former team-mate Alex Rae already on board, the Blues' pack is developing a formidable look, something that Rayer is aiming for.

He continued: "Ben gives us competition and to get someone of that quality is good business. He's a proven Premiership player who can play at six, seven or eight.

"With four quality players in the back row we'll have options and that also goes for the second row. The scrum is important to us and how we play the game."

With regards to Botha's move, Rayer admitted that there was little the Blues could do.

The 27-year-old, who made 57 appearances for the club after being spotted playing for Bedford Athletic, had a solid campaign last season and once the chance presented itself, a move was almost inevitable.

Rayer said: "It's been on the cards for a short while. This was always likely if the chance presented itself and he goes with our best wishes.
"Mouritz was keen to do it and it's a good opportunity for him. He was under contract, but we thrashed it out with Saracens and cut a deal."

As well as being disappointed to see Botha leave, Rayer admitted to a tinge of frustration, adding: "It's a feather in the cap for the coaching staff that clubs are looking at our players, but it's always difficult for us.

"Firstly we can't compete financially and secondly the chance to play in possibly the top club competition in Europe is a hard one to turn down. That's just being realistic."

Although their squad is more or less complete, Rayer mentioned that there is still scope for one or two more additions.