Justin Marshall has joined Saracens from French Top 14 side Montpellier © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Justin Marshall

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Teams: England | New Zealand | Saracens

Saracens have announced the signing of former All Blacks scrum-half Justin Marshall for the rest of the season.

Marshall joins the club from French Top 14 side Montpellier, who suspended him last week for refusing to take to the field as a late replacement against Toulouse, and will provide cover for Neil De Kock after the South African broke his arm against Bristol.

Marshall, 35, won 88 caps for the All Blacks before leaving the Crusaders for Leeds in 2005. He has since had stints at Magners League side Ospreys and Montpellier, who are currently in turmoil following the resignation of President Philippe Deffins after only a month in charge.

"After recent discussions with Montpellier in relation to my one year contract, it was mutually agreed that I wouldn't renew," said Marshall. "In light of the current changes at the club and the Saracens approach, the timing fits just right. This decision works well for Montpellier, Saracens and for myself. Montpellier have been very attentive in their listening and have facilitated me making a quick decision. I'd like to express my thanks to the club and its supporters.

"Saracens is a high profile, quality club, and I'm looking forward to joining up with the squad. There's still a good chunk of the season remaining, and I'm excited about contributing on and off the field."

Marshall will compete for the scrum-half jersey with Fiji skipper Moses Rauluni and Mickey Wilson.

"Justin is one of the most experienced scrum halves in the world and a really tough competitor," said Saracens Director of Rugby Eddie Jones. "He will provide great support for Moses and Mickey and we're lucky to be able to sign someone with his knowledge of the game. We've got an exciting few months ahead of us as we challenge for trophies in the European Challenge Cup and Guinness Premiership and we're looking forward to Justin playing his part in that."