Table topping Southend have signed flanker Andrew Saull from Saracens.

The 18-year-old will be on the bench for tomorrow's trip to Havant.

Seasiders coach Kevin Harman is delighted to have captured the youngster's services from the Hertfordshire club.

"It's great news for us that Andrew has signed," he said.

"He has a lot of experience for someone of his age and being involved with Saracens will have been brilliant for him.

"His arrival increases competition for places, which can only be a good thing, and it strengthens the squad as well.

"We had Daniel Legge and Jamie Connors both missing for weeks and having Andrew adds extra cover for that area."

Harman also hopes the new signing can help his side return to winning ways after they suffered just their second league defeat of the season last weekend, losing 23-15 at home to Westcombe Park.

Despite that, Southend remain four points clear at the top of the National League Three South table.