CHRISTIAN Saverimutto - the younger brother of New Brighton's Director of Rugby, Alistair Saverimutto - has returned to Reeds Lane as the latest acquisition to the Blues' summer recruiting drive.

Christian hit the international heights when he played for Ireland in the Five Nations tournament and Sale in the English Premiership.

"Not only will he bring a vast amount of experience and talent to the team on the field, but he also has so much to give to my other scrumhalves in developing their skills, techniques and half-back partnerships," said Alistair.

Christian began his rugby career at New Brighton when he was only six years old and went through the ranks before moving on to the big league in the mid-90s.

"I'm delighted to be returning to Reeds Lane where it all began for me," said the genial scrum-half. "I very much enjoyed my time at Caldy last year and thank everyone there for what was such an enjoyable stay. I'm looking forward to playing in the higher division and believe I can contribute to a championship season."

Meanwhile, on the training pitch hooker Paul Saffey and winger Lee Whakelam are two of the other new recruits to catch the eye. Lee has impressed onlookers with his electric pace and the scoring instinct, as have the fine skills and power of Saffey, who played in front of crowds of 20,000 when playing in South Africa with Border Bulldogs.

Paul has 40 games at Provincial level in the Currey Cup to his credit.

Said Alistair Saverimutto. "It's important that everyone in the squad gears up to the higher levels of skill and pace that we will be playing the game at this season."