The Premiership club finalised the details on Tuesday after Byrne - who started the first British & Irish Lions Test against the All Blacks last month - agreed a two-year contract.

Saracens head coach Steve Diamond said: Shane is a world-class player. Weve been looking to strengthen our forwards as we are now competing in Europe next season and he has a huge amount of experience in the European Cup.

Our coach, Mike Ford, has an excellent knowledge of the player from his time with Ireland and we are delighted that Shane has joined us.

Hes very good in the set piece and excellent in defence, having proved himself at the highest level of the game.

Byrne, 33, has won 38 caps since making his international debut in 2001 and would have accumulated more had it not been for the presence of Ireland talisman Keith Wood who was an automatic selection for the number two jersey.

Saracens were forced to recruit a new hooker after veteran France front row Ibanez requested early release from his contract.