The news and updates in this feed come from Saracens on RugbyTweets. http://rugbytweets.com//saracens/feed/atom 2012-02-04T20:09:11+00:00 Ollie Parsley ollie@ollieparsley.com

Northampton Saints will host Scarlets in the semi-finals of the LV= Cup, while Leicester Tigers are away to Saracens or Bath.. For more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/643972 2012-02-04T19:40:18+00:00

Saracens launch new Ticketing and Customer Services system The Saracens Vision statement includes a commitment to ‘innovate by pushing accepted boundaries on and off the field', and this philosophy has now been extended to the way we deal with our supporters and customers, and the way we sell tickets. We are working hard to improve in every respect. With effect from today... 1.The Saracens Ticket Office number will change to 0844 847 1876, and will be available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. 2. Option 3 offered on this number will take you to the Saracens Customer Services team 3. It will be easier to purchase tickets on line via www.saracens.com Please note all customer numbers, season ticket details and registration details remain unchanged. Please activate your new account by clicking here. Then, click the ‘Activate Account' button on the right hand side of the screen, enter your Customer Reference number, and then follow the on screen instructions. Once you have logged in and activated your account you will be able to add Saracens Season Ticket Holders and fans to your 'My Network'. This will allow you to manage and buy tickets on behalf of other Saracens fans. Please note that fans in 'My Network' must have an activated account as well. If you have never before bought Saracens tickets or have mislaid your Customer Reference number, please click the 'Create Account' button on the bottom left corner of this page.For more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/643729 2012-02-03T18:40:03+00:00

Following the postponement of tonight's LV=Cup clash between Dragons and Saracens at Rodney Parade, we can confirm that this fixture WILL NOT take place this weekend. The cup organising committee will meet on Monday and then announce the details of the outstanding fixture in due course.For more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/643727 2012-02-03T18:10:04+00:00

2012 promises to be a fantastic year of sport. With the Olympics only a matter of months away and the Six Nations due to kick off tomorrow, sport will be everywhere. The next four months will once again be massive for Saracens with the North London club fighting for honours on both the domestic and european fronts. Everybody knows that no matter the sport, athletes and players are only as good as the support staff and coaches that assist with their development and continued pursuit of success. With this in mind, the Saracens Coach Education Programme is back with a bang at we are excited to announce that there will be two additional Coach Education sessions running this season. The new dates for the sessions are: 13th March - Breaking Down The Breakdown - Reborn Back by popular demand, Alex Sanderson, Richard Hill and Kevin Sorrell will revisit and develop the techniques and skills that will make your teams and players more effective at the breakdown. The breakdown is key to success on the field and with the breakdown becoming even more of a battle ground the insight that can be offered by Saracens will no doubt make a difference to your players and your team 24th April – Piece by Piece – Building a Platform for Success The session is designed to look at the key components of developing a solid platform from which your team can play. Those who are interested in forward play will explore the fundamentals of developing an attacking platform from both the lineout and scrum. Coaches who have more of a back orientation will look at kicking technique and developing and implementing a kicking strategy that leads to territorial dominance as well as developing pressure. Coaches and Members from our Partner Clubs and Partner Schools are invited to take part FREE of charge. For more information on either of these courses or to book yourself on either of the sessions please email alexausterberry@saracens.net stating your member partner club/school, age group that you coach and the session(s) you wish to attend. Please note there are limited places available on each course and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.For more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/643722 2012-02-03T17:40:14+00:00

A plan by Saracens rugby club to refurbish the Copthall stadium is approved by Barnet Council.. For more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/643589 2012-02-03T13:40:13+00:00

Rhys Gill has joined the growing list of Saracens players on international duty this weekend after being named in the starting line-up for Wales opening Six Nations match against Ireland. The prop wins his second cap for his country in Sunday's match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Wales line-up vs Ireland 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Ryan Jones, 5 Ian Evans, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Huw Bennett, 1 Rhys Gill. Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Paul James, 18 Andy Powell, 19 Justin Tipuric, 20 Lloyd Willians, 21 James Hook, 22 Scott Williams.For more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/643559 2012-02-03T12:40:20+00:00

Neil De Kock, Jared Saunders, Sam Stanley and Nick Auterac teamed up with Premiership Rugby sponsors Aviva and visited pupils at four schools from Barnet South and Brent North, as part of the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme Now In its second season, the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme represents a significant investment (£2 million) by Aviva into the grass roots level of the game. Resources will go towards supporting over 1,200 teachers in 650 schools across the country whilst also providing all the kit necessary to play tag rugby. Aligned to the national curriculum and PE syllabus and designed to unearth the next generation of rugby stars, the number of children who will have taken part in the scheme by the end of this season is enough to fill Twickenham Stadium. The Annunciation Catholic Junior School (Burnt Oak) is one of just a handful of schools in the country to receive exclusive visit from one of the country's top players and reflects Aviva's commitment in promoting rugby in non-traditional rugby playing schools. One school from North London will also go on to take part in a tag rugby demonstration at the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final at Twickenham on Saturday 26th May. Neil De Kock said: 'These youngsters are already rugby crazy which shows how well the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme is working. I might lose my place in the team if I'm not careful! It's also hugely important for players to do their bit for the local community and it was great to offer advice and answer their questions.' Robert Cooper teacher at Parkfield School said: 'We're delighted Sam Stanley has come here to visit the pupils as part of the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme. We all need to encourage children to get active and take part in sport, and tag rugby is a great way to do that. The programme also ensures that teachers receive quality coaching and are provided with enough equipment to leave a rugby legacy in schools for years to come.' Shay a pupil from The Annunciation School said; 'I really enjoyed it day and the coaches were really fun. I also got Neil De Kock's autograph and held the premiership trophy'.For more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/643558 2012-02-03T12:40:19+00:00

Following a severe overnight frost with temperatures reaching as low a -8, tonight's Dragons v Saracens LV=Cup clash has been postponed. Areas of the Rodney Parade pitch remain frozen despite being under cover since Monday. Further details will be published as soon as we have them.For more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/643521 2012-02-03T11:40:24+00:00

Reacting to the unanimous decision by Barnet Council Planning and Environment Committee to approve plans to revive Barnet Copthall Stadium, Saracens chairman Nigel Wray said: 'After 18 months of engaging extensively with local residents, we are delighted that Barnet Councillors have approved our proposals to revive Barnet Copthall Stadium and create a vibrant sports hub for the local community. 'The new stadium will provide both a real home for Saracens and a hugely improved venue for athletics in the south east. It will secure the future of the highly successful Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers and offer great facilities free of charge to local schools. 'Our plans include the installation of an artificial turf pitch, which may well be the future of rugby. It could enable a faster, safer and more entertaining game and will certainly enable the local community to use the pitch for 349 days per year. Copthall will, we promise, be a genuine community stadium. 'We will continue to work closely with the local community and make Copthall an asset that we can all be proud of.'For more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/643422 2012-02-02T22:10:32+00:00

With the Royal Box and Bobby Moore suites at Wembley now sold out for the match against Harlequins on March 31, The Arc is a new facility we have opened for you and your guests to enjoy superb hospitality at this exciting venue. The Arc package includes: • Pre-match two course sit down lunch • Pre-match complimentary beer, house wine and soft drinks • Cash bar from Kick Off and post-match • Access into the facility and bar throughout the match • Club level match ticket directly outside the facility • Matchday programme • Pre-match analysis from rugby legend Richard Hill, MBE • Saracens players in attendance pre-match The price is £119 + VAT per person. To purchase hospitality at Wembley matches please contact: Ross McCann rossmccann@saracens.net 01727 792 807 Dan Cozens danielcozens@saracens.net 01727 792 827For more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/643348 2012-02-02T16:10:14+00:00

Saracens complete their LV=Cup pool matches on Friday night as they travel to Rodney Parade to face the Dragons. In team news ahead of the game, Joel Tomkins gets the chance to pick up where he left off against Worcester Warriors last weekend with the former Wigan Warriors named in the centres. Other changes see Luke Baldwin start at scrum half while Chris Wyles returns to start at full back. Duncan Taylor moves to the wing. That means that Peter Stringer and Kameli Ratuvou move to the bench while after training with the England squad this week, Alex Goode also returns. Saracens line-up vs Dragons 15 Chris Wyles 14 Michael Tagicakibau 13 Joel Tomkins 12 Adam Powell 11 Duncan Taylor 10 Nils Mordt 9 Luke Baldwin 1 John Smit 2 Jamie George © 3 Carlos Nieto 4 George Kruis 5 Eoin Sherriff 6 Justin Melck 7 Will Fraser 8 Jackson Wray 16 Harry Allen 17 Nick Auterac 18 Petrus du Plessis 19 Hugh Vyvyan 20 Tom Jubb 21 Peter Stringer 22 Alex Goode 23 Kameli RatuvouFor more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/643270 2012-02-02T12:35:05+00:00

Ben Ransom and Scott Spurling have been named in the England U20s side for their Six Nations opener against Scotland. Ransom starts the match at full back while Spurling has been named on the bench for the match at Firhill on Friday night. England Under 20 starting XV to face Scotland 15) Ben Ransom (Saracens) 14) Marland Yarde (London Irish) 13) Elliot Daly (London Wasps) 12) Ryan Mills (Gloucester) 11) Charlie Walker (Harlequins) 10) George Ford (C) (Leicester Tigers) 9) Dan Robson (Gloucester) 1) Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs) 2) Koree Britton (Gloucester) 3) Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins) 4) Tom Price (Leicester Tigers) 5) George Merrick (Harlequins) 6) Matt Kvesic (Worcester Warriors) 7) Chris Walker (Leeds Carnegie) 8) Jack Clifford (Harlequins) Replacements: 16) Scott Spurling (Saracens) 17) Alec Hepburn (London Wasps) 18) Ross Harrison (Sale Sharks) 19) Elliot Stooke (Gloucester) 20) Will Skuse (Bath Rugby) 21) Alex Day (Northampton Saints) 22) Tom Heathcote (Bath Rugby) 23) Anthony Watson (London Irish)For more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/643250 2012-02-02T11:10:18+00:00

Six Saracens players have been named in the England matchday squad for the opening game of the Six Nations Championships against Scotland on Saturday. Charlie Hodgson, Brad Barritt and Owen Farrell make up the England midfield while David Strettle and Mouritz Botha also start the match. Matt Stevens has been named on the bench for the game at Murrayfield. Barritt and Farrell are making their debuts for England. Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: 'We have been impressed with how the whole group has come together in the last 10 days and we have done a lot of work on and off the field. 'Now is the time to turn all that into a performance against Scotland that we can all be proud of. It is a massive challenge – Murrayfield, the first game of the Six Nations – but one we are relishing.' England line-up vs Scotland 15 Ben Foden (Northampton Saints) 14 Chris Ashton (Northampton Saints) 13 Brad Barritt (Saracens) 12 Owen Farrell (Saracens) 11 David Strettle (Saracens) 10 Charlie Hodgson (Saracens) 9 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers) 1 Alex Corbisiero (London Irish) 2 Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) 3 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers) 4 Mouritz Botha (Saracens) 5 Tom Palmer (Stade Francais) 6 Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers) 7 Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, capt) 8 Phil Dowson (Northampton Saints) Replacements 16 Rob Webber (London Wasps) 17 Matt Stevens (Saracens) 18 Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers) 19 Ben Morgan (Scarlets) 20 Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints) 21 Jordan Turner-Hall (Harlequins) 22 Mike Brown (Harlequins)For more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/643235 2012-02-02T10:40:10+00:00

The Saracens Supporters Association are presenting an evening with the RFU Wine Club and Richard Hill at Old Albanians on Wednesday 22nd February. You will have the opportunity to taste and subsequently purchase an interesting choice of wines offered by the RFU Wine Club. There will be time to socialise, to discuss wine, rugby and some of the other good things in life. Tickets at £20.00 for members and £25.00 for non-members, which includes wine tasting and buffet. The evening commences at 19.30 for a 19.45 pm start. Please book on the SSA website at www.saracenssupporters.orgFor more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/642976 2012-02-01T13:10:20+00:00

Saracens duo Ben Spencer and Andy Saull have both been named in the England Saxons line-up for Friday's game against Scotland A. Scrum half Spencer and flanker Saull, who were both part of the Saxons side that beat the Irish Wolfhounds last weekend, are in a side that contains eight changes for the game at Galashiels. England Saxons line-up vs Scotland A 15 Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby) 14 Ugo Monye (Harlequins) 13 Jonathan Joseph (London Irish) 12 Billy Twelvetrees (Leicester Tigers) 11 Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby) 10 Ryan Lamb (Northampton Saints) 9 Ben Spencer (Saracens) 1 Nick Wood (Gloucester Rugby) 2 Chris Brooker (Harlequins) 3 Paul Doran-Jones (Northampton Saints) 4 Ed Slater (Leicester Tigers) 5 George Robson (Harlequins) 6 James Gaskell (Sale Sharks, captain) 7 Andy Saull (Saracens) 8 Tom Johnson (Exeter) Replacements 16 Joe Gray (Harlequins) 17 Rupert Harden (Gloucester Rugby) 18 Kearnan Myall (Sale Sharks) 19 David Seymour (Sale Sharks) 20 Paul Hodgson (London Irish) 21 Freddie Burns (Gloucester Rugby) 22 Miles Benjamin (Worcester Warriors)For more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/642975 2012-02-01T13:10:19+00:00

The biggest night in the Saracens events calendar will once again take place in Central London at the Park Lane Hilton Hotel on Saturday 5th May - and tickets are on sale now. Just hours after Saracens complete their regular Aviva Premiership season against Exeter Chiefs at Vicarage Road, the club will come together to celebrate the 2011/12 season. You and your guests will be able to enjoy the evening in the company of the entire squad and training ground staff at this fantastic venue. It's always a great night out - so we look forward to seeing you there! The evening will include: *Champagne reception *Three course sit down dinner *Half bottle of wine per person *Saracens players in attendance *Special entertainment *Match action and highlights footage *Awards presentation *Auction *Live band and dancing Price for a table of 10 from £1,700 + VAT Individual places £170 + VAT per person Please contact our Sales Team for more information: Ross McCann - 01727 792 807 - rossmccann@saracens.net Dan Cozens - 01727 792 827- danielcozens@saracens.net Ed Clark - 01727 792 825 - edwardclark@saracens.netFor more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/642461 2012-01-31T15:40:40+00:00

On Monday 30th of January, local Premiership Rugby Champions; Saracens hosted a skills and tag rugby festival for local youngster with learning difficulties at the Hertfordshire Sports Village. Youngsters from The Collett and Amwell View schools took part in a four hour introductory rugby festival, coached by Saracens' award winning community coaches and Saracens first team player; Will Fraser. The programme aims to increase social inclusion while at the same time, teaching the youngsters about team work, friendship and the benefits of an active lifestyle. The programme was run by Saracens in partnership with the Herts Sports Partnership, who aim to bring together expertise, resources and ideas from the sporting world to benefit all of Hertfordshire. Cherly Obiakpani from the partnership said, 'We have a great relationship with Saracens who provide us with a huge amount of support. Today is being funded through the Sportivate scheme which is for 14-25 year olds we provide funding for' Caroline Connell; from Saracens award winning community coaching team said, 'It is great to see the pupils experiencing rugby outside of school; seeing them practicing their skills with pupils from other schools, and compete against each other is very rewarding.' Penny Warner; Head of PE at Amwell View School said, 'Many thanks for organising the Sportivate Disability Tag Rugby festival. All our students had a wonderful time and I was really impressed by what they managed to achieve.'For more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/642409 2012-01-31T14:10:15+00:00

Saracens Community Department completed a successful series of Christmas camps with over 300 young aspiring rugby players putting their Christmas energy and enthusiasm towards their rugby development across six different sites. This February Saracens award winning community team will return with a number of course running during February Half Term and we invite you to attend. In response to popular demand we are introducing all new age specific days. Minis only days (U7-U12) and Junior only days (U13-U17) will take place at a few select venues as outlined below. The camps have been designed to provide young players aged 6-16 with a total rugby experience, contributing to their personal development on and off the field. The coaches will pass on their experience and design drills specific to the camp and will include skills such as catch & pass, tackling technique, contact avoidance, offloading, and tactical decision making in addition to unit skills. Due to the growing support that the community has for the game of rugby, the coaches will encourage young talent to play with passion and commitment, respect and discipline whilst working effectively as a team. Not only are Saracens providing a fantastic opportunity to further the rugby skills of Mini and Junior rugby players, but we will also give those participants the chance to have a photo with the Aviva Premiership Trophy. 8th Feb - International Coaching Event - Old Albanians RFC £25.00 13th & 14th Feb - 2 Day Skills Camp - Old Albanians RFC £54.00 13th Feb - 1 Day Intensive Skills Clinic - MINIS (U7-U12) Luton RFC £25.00 13th Feb - 1 Day Intensive Skills Clinic - MINIS (U7-U12) Barnet RFC £25.00 14th Feb - 1 Day Intensive Skills Clinic - JNRS (U13-U17) Luton RFC £25.00 14th Feb -1 Day Intensive Skills Clinic - JNRS (U13-U17) Barnet RFC £25.00 15th Feb - 1 Day Intensive Skills Clinic - Welwyn RFC £25.00 15th Feb - 1 Day Intensive Skills Clinic - Hemel Hempstead RFC £25.00 15th Feb - Kicking Clinic - Old Albanians RFC £40.00 16th & 17th Feb - 2 Day Skills Camp - Saracens Amateurs £50.00 16th & 17th Feb - 2 Day Skills Camp - Dartfordians RFC £50.00 To book your place or for further information please click here for 10% off or alternatively call the community team on 01707 285026.For more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/642384 2012-01-31T13:11:46+00:00

Saracens hooker Jamie George will be on hand to answer your questions on Wednesday, as Sarries TV trials a new live streaming service. George, who is captaining Saracens in this season's LV Cup, will be live on Saracens.com from 2.30pm tomorrow, looking ahead to Friday's match with Newport Gwent Dragons and answering your questions. To join in the fun, log on to www.saracens.com/sarriestv/bambuser from 2.30pm for our live web chat. So whether you want to ask Jamie for rugby tips, or just want find out more about life behind-the-scenes at Saracens, log on from 2.30pm.For more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/642333 2012-01-31T11:40:38+00:00

Jamie George has been named in the shortlist for the LV=Cup Breakthrough player award which today has received the backing of England head coach Stuart Lancaster. Hooker George, who captained Saracens to a 41-14 victory against Worcester Warriors at Vicarage Road on Sunday, has been nominated to win the inaugural award. At least one player for each of the teams involved in the competition has been selected and once the panel has whittled that list down to six players, fans can cast their votes for the winner. 'It's great to see LV= recognising the talent on offer in this competition through the LV= Breakthrough Player Award," said Lancaster. "There is a huge wealth of up and coming talent on show in the LV= Cup, and we've seen first-hand some of the exceptional players it has helped produce. 'The panel will have a tough job on their hands selecting the final six, as everyone included in the shortlist deserves recognition of the contribution they have made to their team during the competition. Best of luck to all those nominated!' The panel, chaired by former Rugby World Magazine editor, Paul Morgan, also includes rugby experts: Martin Bayfield (ITV), Ieuan Evans (Sky), Gywn Jones (S4C) and Gavin Mairs (Telegraph). Once the initial shortlist of six has then been selected, the fans take control via www.lv.com/rugby, where they can vote for their chosen player. The player with the highest number of nominations will receive a Tag Heuer watch plus £1,000 donated to a local grassroots club of their choice and of course, the inaugural LV= Cup Breakthrough Player trophy. Voting begins on Monday 6 February via LV.com/rugby, and closes at midnight on Sunday 11 March. The winner will be announced on Tuesday 13 March. LV= Cup Breakthrough Player 20 shortlist: Pool 1 Bath Rugby – Olly Woodburn & Tom Heathcote Saracens – Jamie George London Wasps – Elliot Daly Ospreys - Matthew Morgan Pool 2 London Irish – Jonathan Joseph & Steve Shingler Leicester Tigers – George Ford & Sam Harrison Cardiff Blues - Dan Fish Sale Sharks – Rob Miller Pool 3 Scarlets - Adam Warren & Liam Williams Harlequins – Luke Wallace Newcastle Falcons – Joel Hodgson Gloucester Rugby – Jonny May Pool 4 Northampton Saints – Jamie Elliott Exeter Chiefs - Dave Ewers Newport Gwent-Dragons - Steffan Jones Worcester Warriors – Matt KvesicFor more info on the news and updates please visit rugbytweets.com

http://rugbytweets.com/saracens/news/642023 2012-01-30T14:40:15+00:00