Saracens news

Become a Saracens Pioneer

December 10, 2011, 6:06 pm sourced from saracens.com

A new dawn is rising upon Saracens RFC. The history of the club, established in 1876, has been defined by momentous landmarks that have propelled it into the highest echelons of the English game. Saracens amalgamation with neighbouring club Crusaders in 1878 was seen as a pivotal moment in the club’s development. It was in fact the Crusaders of medieval times who originally spawned the term ‘Saracen’, referring to Arabic nomads living on the fringes of settled society. These connotations were overridden when the Saracen people, after years of skirting the edges of society, eventually pioneered their own settlement and became a unified society in their own right. Saracens RFC has since used this unifying ethos as their mantra. The club’s early movements from one ground to the next mirrors the transient nature of their ancestral namesakes. Saracens have since settled at Vicarage Road, where the club continues to flourish with triumphs both on and off the field. The recent achievements of the Aviva Premiership Champions speak for themselves and yet this is only the start of a new chapter for our victorious Sarries squad. Needless to say, the club’s continued success is largely dependent upon the support and drive of its loyal fan base. Just as our Saracen ancestors searched long and hard to establish their permanent home, Saracens RFC have followed suit. The club’s recently developed Pioneer Scheme will hopefully become the defining factor in this new chapter of Saracens’ history. In conjunction with our Copthall quest, we hope that our new Pioneer Scheme will capture the hearts of all Saracens supporters who wish to share in and shape what we soon hope to call our new home. This Pioneer Scheme is focused around volunteers who will form the bedrock of the club’s already diligent working ethos. Such volunteers, or pioneers as they shall be known, have the opportunity to incorporate themselves into various working departments of the club, most significantly relating to match-day operations. Hospitality services, transport management as well as media and marketing support are just four areas in which all Saracens supporters have the rare opportunity to be involved in. The pioneers will provide the impetus to help drive the club forward whilst cementing the fellowship of our followers, without whom Saracens would certainly not be the club that it is today. To play on the legendary words of Lord Kitchener: ‘Your Club Needs You!’ You might be interested in understanding more about what the term Pioneer is all about... It commonly describes someone who ventures into unknown or unclaimed territory to settle. A pioneer may also be one who opens up new areas of thought, research and development. In essence, the term is defined as someone who leads the way – a trailblazer. Saracens would like to invite all the supporters of the club to participate in a scheme that we believe will pave the way for greater things to come. Click below to download an FAQ document about the Pioneers programme. To find out how to become a pioneer just email us at pioneers@saracens.net » read full article

Tickets on sale at Wembley

December 10, 2011, 12:06 am sourced from saracens.com

If you still haven't purchased your tickets for Saracens v Ospreys at Wembley Stadium on Saturday then don't worry, you can by tickets starting from £5 for juniors and £15 for adults at the Wembley Box Office. The Box Office and Ticket Collection points will be open from 12.30pm on Saturday - but don't forget to be in your seats in time for the pre-match show which starts at 5.15pm. Matchday Ticket Sales - East Ticket Office Please head to the East Ticket Office at the stadium to purchase tickets for the match. These are on sale priced from £5 for juniors and £15 for adults. Tickets for Collection - West Ticket Office If you are collecting tickets for the match, these will be available from 12.30pm from the West Ticket Office. Please leave plenty of time to collect your tickets and to be in your seats in time for the pre-match show which starts at 5.15pm. » read full article

Stringer to face Ospreys

December 9, 2011, 12:06 pm sourced from saracens.com

Saracens return to Wembley Stadium on Saturday to face the Ospreys in the Heineken Cup and twice tournament winner Peter Stringer is in line to make his debut at the world famous venue. Ireland international Stringer, who joined Saracens on a three month loan earlier this week from Munster, is named on the bench for the round three clash against the Welsh region. In other team news, Schalk Brits is back from suspension while Brad Barritt, Jacques Burger and Charlie Hodgson all return to the starting line-up. Speaking ahead of the club's seventh game Wembley, Director of Rugby Mark McCall said: "Wembley has become a home from home for us in recent seasons, but it’s a stage on which the players really enjoy performing and after a very good week of preparation, we can’t wait for kick off. "The Ospreys are enjoying a fine season and although they have undergone a number of changes in the past 12 months, they have some very talented players within their squad and we know that we face a big challenge. "We are well placed after the opening two matches in our pool, but there is still a huge amount of work to be done – and that starts Saturday." Saracens line-up vs Ospreys 15 Alex Goode 14 David Strettle 13 Owen Farrell 12 Brad Barritt 11 Chris Wyles 10 Charlie Hodgson 9 Ben Spencer 1 Rhys Gill 2 Schalk Brits 3 Matt Stevens 4 Steve Borthwick (c) 5 Mouritz Botha 6 Kelly Brown 7 Jacques Burger 8 Ernst Joubert 16 Jamie George 17 Deon Carstens 18 Carlos Nieto 19 George Kruis 20 Andy Saull 21 Peter Stringer 22 Adam Powell 23 James Short » read full article

Farrell 'pushed' towards England

December 9, 2011, 12:05 pm sourced from bbc.co.uk

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall says Andy Farrell initially rejected a role with England, but changed his mind after talking to his club. » read full article

Farrell gets Six Nations role

December 8, 2011, 3:07 pm sourced from saracens.com

Andy Farrell will be part of the England coaching team for the 2012 Six Nations on secondment from Saracens. Earlier today, Stuart Lancaster was named England's interim Head Coach for the tournament and he will be joined by Graham Rowntree and Farrell. "We're delighted for Andy and this is a fantastic opportunity for him," explained Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall. "For those of us who work with him on a daily basis, this role is not a surprise as we all know his qualities. "We strongly encourage the development of our players and coaches and the experience Andy gains from this role while not only benefit him, but also Saracens. We're fully supportive and we have an excellent group of coaches who will be able to look after things while he is with England." » read full article

Players enjoy QBE Team Talk

December 8, 2011, 3:07 pm sourced from saracens.com

Saracens stars Kelly Brown, Jacques Burger, Carlos Nieto and Jamie George were in London yesterday to meet employees from QBE, the business insurance specialist. The visit was part of QBE Team Talk; an initiative which sees top Premiership Rugby players visit QBE offices around the country. During the event the players joined QBE employees for a lively sports quiz hosted by television presenter Alex Payne. The Saracens team mates were also on hand to answer a series of questions submitted by employees from QBE, Official Business Insurance Partner of Premiership Rugby. After a hard fought quiz, QBE employee David House and Saracens players Jacques Burger and Jamie George came out on top and took home the champagne. There was also a prize of four tickets to a Premiership Rugby match that was awarded to Haley Smith after the players selected hers as the best question submitted on the day. Saracens and Scotland flanker Kelly Brown commented: “It has been a very entertaining afternoon at QBE for the Question of Sport quiz. It is a great way of getting QBE employees involved in the sponsorship and enjoying its benefits.” David Harries, Director of QBE Professional and Financial Lines and International Casualty, added: “QBE Team Talk really has created excitement in the office. To have international rugby players here to meet our employees and share their experiences has given us an amazing insight into the lives of professional sportsmen.” » read full article

Love to Dance Party 2011

December 7, 2011, 8:36 pm sourced from saracens.com

This years love to dance party proved to be even bigger and better then last year with over 200 participants all attending the festive party which was put on by Saracens Sport foundation and Herts Sport Partnership. These participants attend a Love to dance session on a weekly basis to learn different dance styles and meet new people and from last years Christmas party being such a big hit there was no stopping us putting on an even bigger event. We held the party on Thursday 1st December 2011 in Hatfield and offered it to our 13 Love to Dance classes which take place in and around Hertfordshire. We kicked off the party with a workshop which saw all the dancers at the party learning a routine to Maria Carey’s All I want for Christmas is you and then each group performed their own style of routine which they had been working on with their Love to Dance coaches in the run up to Christmas. The whole event was a great success and we cant wait until next year. "Congratulations to you and your team for putting on such a great event. It was a long way for us from Bishop's Stortford and we missed our little Hollie but it was good to be a part of such a successful organisation It is a privilege and pleasure to be taught by such enthusiastic and talented young dancers. I hope our group in Stortford will grow next year." Lynne Nicholson -Bishop's Stortford Group "I thoroughly enjoyed myself and thought the whole event was incredibly well run. I even enjoyed performing our Welwyn group dance although beforehand I felt as though I was having an out of body experience. It was all great and I look forward to next year's party!!" Diane Baker- Welwyn Love to dance Group If you would like more information regarding the love to dance programme please contact Clare Bellchambers on 07801 691 591 for more information » read full article

More Silverware for Sensations

December 7, 2011, 8:36 pm sourced from saracens.com

Saracens Dance Programme attained more silverware on Sunday 4th December when they took four teams to Crystal Palace to compete in Future Cheers Winter Wonderland Competition. The Saracens Schools of Cheer are the evening classes which have been set up for those children who are interested in competing at a higher level and would like to continue their training with our Saracens Cheerleading Coaches. This is the dance programmes second competition with Future Cheer and we are looking forward in taking part in more during 2012. Results from the day Presdales School of Cheer 4th Place – Level 1 Watford School of cheer 3rd Place - Level 1 Harpenden School of Cheer 2nd Place – Level 1 Elite (this a mixture of the teams) 5th Place – Level 2 If you would like join one of our Schools of Cheer which we have set up in and around Hertfordshire please contact Clare Bellchambers on 07801691591 for more information. » read full article

Saracens Christmas Retail Days

December 7, 2011, 11:06 am sourced from saracens.com

Saracens are making your Christmas shopping easy this year as we open our St Albans Merchandise Showroom for the first time ever. Take the opportunity to buy your Saracens gifts from replica shirts to polo-shirts and jackets to baby grows, we’ve got something for all the family. With special promotional offers, free parking and no need to fight in to town it’s an opportunity not to be missed! The store will be open from 1pm to 6pm on the following days: • Tuesday 13th December - Saracens players available for signings, and photos • Wednesday 14th December - Saracens players available for signings, and photos • Friday 16th December - Aviva Premiership Trophy photo opportunity Plus, make the most of your visit and purchase your tickets to Saracens vs Gloucester on New Years Day. This game will provide the perfect start to the New Year and as our Christmas present to you Under 14’s Go Free. We look forward to seeing and helping ensure you and your family have the perfect Saracens Christmas. Find us at: Oak Court, Sandridge Park, Porters Wood, St Albans, AL3 6PH » read full article

2011 / 2012 Half Season Ticket

December 7, 2011, 10:36 am sourced from saracens.com

Saracens ‘Half Season Tickets’ are now on sale for the remainder of the 2011/12 season. This includes access to the Members Discount Directory, entry in to the International Ballot and priority for second stage knock out fixtures. The Half Season Deal • Half Season tickets include entry to the following home regular season matches (6 Premiership, 1 Heineken Cup and 1 LV Cup) • Gloucester 1st Jan • Bath 8th Jan • Biarritz 15th Jan • Worcester 29th Jan • Leicester 19th Feb • Northampton 4th Mar • Harlequins 31st Mar • Exeter 5th May • For the Wembley game against Harlequins on 31st March, Gold, Silver and Red and Black season ticket holders will be able to apply for ‘Gold’ tickets at no additional charge. Gold season ticket holders will receive best seats and be seated together. Prices - We’re offering fantastic value for 2011/12... Platinum Plus Adult £580; OAP (65+) £580; Student £580; U16 £580 Platinum Adult £430; OAP £430; Student £430; U16 £430 Gold Adult £310; OAP £250; Student £250; U16 £80 Silver Adult £170; OAP £135; Student £135; U16 £70 Red& Black Adult £100; OAP £75; Student £75; U16 £65 FREE Members’ Discount Directory Every season ticket holder becomes a club member and gains a free personal access code to claim the thousands of discounts available at www.saracensdiscounts.com. By being smart and using the MDD, many season ticket holders effectively saved and recouped the entire cost of their season ticket. Plus… FREE entry to the ballot for England international tickets FREE post-match entry to the members bar at Vicarage Road FREE entry to the pre-season friendly and barbecue at Old Albanians FREE entry to all Saracens Storm matches What now? Call the Saracens ticket office at 01727 792 800 » read full article

Burger relishing Ospreys clash

December 6, 2011, 4:06 pm sourced from saracens.com

Jacques Burger is relishing the prospect of facing the Ospreys at Wembley Stadium on Saturday – a venue he describes as one of the best stadiums in the world. The Namibian captain got his first taste of action at the world famous venue last season and, after taking six points from their opening two games of the Heineken Cup, the Saracens flanker is keen to build on that in the back to back games with the Welsh region. "I wasn't really familiar with Wembley before I came over but just talking and listening to the guys here and you knew it's a special place in this part of the world," said Burger. "However, I have been lucky enough to play there a couple of times for Saracens already and I love it. And, although it is a massive stadium, the atmosphere is both very intense and special. "We are talking about running out at one of the best stadiums in Europe, if not the world, and you have to be excited about that. "The last time we played there in the Heineken Cup we unfortunately lost to Leinster but we are all determined to put that right when we play the Ospreys on Saturday. "We know the Ospreys will be tough - we saw in the World Cup that Welsh rugby is really on a high and they just seem to be producing all these incredible players - so we know how challenging the next two games are going to be. "This is a Pool which has the best side in Wales, former finalists Biarritz and ourselves, the champions of England, and then you have Treviso, who as the Ospreys have just found out are so tough to beat at home. "Nobody should underestimate how tough Treviso are in Italy and I am sure all of the sides probably know this Pool is going to be won and lost on small margins. "You have to win your home games and get something away from home, and even finishing second is probably not going to be enough to qualify as one of the best runners-up. "The Ospreys may be rebuilding but now they have new and young players in the side and that just makes them even more dangerous for us. We have watched videos of them and they are a top team - and have been one of the top teams in the Heineken Cup over the last few years. "We just have to bring a real edge to our performances in the next two games and we have to do well in this competition this year. "We let ourselves down last season and weren't mature enough to handle the demands of this competition. There are no more excuses for this team now, we cannot think about achieving something in the Heineken Cup next year or the season after, it's all about now. "We are good enough to really do something in this tournament now and that is the aim and what we have talked about." Tickets for the game are available at www.ticketmaster.co.uk and by calling 0844 847 2482. » read full article

Feztive dates for your diary

December 6, 2011, 3:36 pm sourced from saracens.com

Christmas is fast approaching and at Saracens we have a busy festive period planned – starting with Saturday’s clash against the Ospreys at Wembley Stadium. See below for a list of Saracens festive dates for your diary. Ospreys Wembley Road Trip: Dec 10th 17h15 We return to Wembley to take on Ospreys in the Heineken Cup Round 3 match. As ever, Wembley promises to be a spectacular event with a fierce game against the best Wales has to offer combined with an amazing line up of entertainment. Performances by Tinchy Stryder and Ronan Parke, the Worlds Largest Scrum, plus one lucky person has the chance to win £250,000 in the Domino’s Kicking Challenge. We look forward to welcoming you back to our second home! Retail Christmas Days: Dec 13th, 14th & 16th A fantastic opportunity to buy your Christmas presents and treat the kids with our special Retail Christmas Days. Running from 1pm to 6pm there will be special offers on our great Saracens products plus fantastic photo opportunities and signings with: Tuesday 13th Dec: Saracens Players present for Photos and Signings Wednesday 14th Dec Saracens Players present for Photos and Signings Friday 16th Dec Photo opportunities with the Aviva Premiership Trophy! Come and see us at: Oak Court, Sandridge Park, Porters Wood, St Albans, AL3 6PH Away vs Ospreys: Dec 16th 20h00 We cross the bridge in to Wales for more Heineken Cup action with our return fixture against Ospreys on Friday evening. Hopefully pushing off the back of a win at Wembley, this clash could set up the perfect Christmas present. Saracens Storm vs London Irish: Dec 19th 19h30 Old Albanians The Saracens Storm take to the field again versus London Irish. Enjoy the rugby, buy Saracens Merchandise, indulge in festive Mince Pies and Mulled Wine plus meet your Saracens for signings, photo opportunities. The perfect way to make your Saracens Christmas gifts that bit more special! Season Ticket Holders and Under 16’s Go Free, Adults £5. Away vs Harlequins: Dec 27th 16h30 Twickenham Don’t miss out on the year ending top of the table clash as we take on Harlequins at Twickenham. We will be holding another Gathering before the game to ensure that we make our presence felt for the big game. Make sure you keep up to date with the website and your emails for more information. New Year's Family Day vs Gloucester: 1st Jan 15h00 A mouth watering clash with Gloucester at Vicarage Road on New Years Day. What better way to start the year and blow the cobwebs away! We want the entire family to come and enjoy what promises to be one of the games of the season so for one time only UNDER 14’s GO FREE! Simply call the ticket office to request your additional junior tickets and together lets watch our Saracens explode in to 2012. Free Under 14’s Offer is for seats in the North & South Stand only For more information on any of the above events please contact the ticket office on 01727 792 800 » read full article

Saracens v Ospreys (Sat)

December 5, 2011, 7:35 pm sourced from bbc.co.uk

Saracens host Ospreys in Saturday's Heineken Cup fixture at Wembley Stadium (1800 GMT). » read full article

U9 Alan Day VW

December 5, 2011, 6:37 pm sourced from saracens.com

On Sunday 4th December conditions were ideal for the 27 teams taking part in the U9 Alan Day Volkswagen Cup at Merchant Taylors school prior to Saracens vs London Irish in the Aviva Premiership. Rugby is continuing to thrive at the grassroots level of the game, and thanks to Alan Day Volkswagen, Saracens are able to offer organised and structured competitions with qualified and experienced referees at high quality facilities. Richard Gregg, Saracen’s Rugby Development Manager commented on the importance of Alan Day Volkwagens support, “Alan Day VW have shown an overwhelming level of support to Saracens this season to make this possible and without their desire to grow and build this event, young players aged U7 – U10 would be unable to experience one of the most professional festivals available for mini grassroot clubs.” The keenly contested series of matches resulted in a tight under 9 final where Rosslyn Park RFC were crowned the winners over Hertford who had worked exceptionally hard to mark the final having qualified through countback in both their Quarter Final and Semi Final. Rosslyn Park ran out winners 20-0. Saracens would like to congratulate both finalist as well as all other teams who were involved. Each team demonstrated some excellent rugby through the festival. Chris from Old Grammarians commented “Thanks again for yesterday, our players and families had a great day out and we made many new friends. I had a great deal praise from my Mum's and Dad's on the organisation and facilities.” On Saturday it will be the U10 teams from across the community who had the change to engage with the Alan Day Volkswagen Cup. In total 22 teams will be provided the opportunity to take part in one of the country’s leading grassroots tournaments at the multi million pound facility and home to Barnet FC training ground, The Hive. Participating players at the festival had the chance to meet Saracens players who supported the teams and offered coaching tips in between games as well as presenting the trophies at the conclusion of the event. Please keep an eye out in the Gloucester programme where we will be announcing the winners and providing a write up on the U10 event. There are still spaces for each of the remaining competitions so we recommend that you reserve your space as soon as possible. Sun 19th Feb U7 Alan Day Volkswagen Cup @ Merchant Taylors School Clubs are welcome to enter more than one team to the festival so please contact richardgregg@saracens.net or call 01707 285 026. » read full article

Stringer signs on loan

December 5, 2011, 4:36 pm sourced from saracens.com

Saracens have signed Peter Stringer on a three-month loan from Munster. The Irish international scrumhalf will be registered to play for the English champions in the Aviva Premiership and Heineken Cup. Mark McCall, Director of Rugby, said: “We are fortunate to have a pair of outstanding young scrumhalves in Ben Spencer and Luke Baldwin, but the injuries to Richard Wigglesworth and Neil de Kock have left us exposed in this pivotal position. We are delighted to have secured the services of Peter Stringer, an experienced player of proven quality.” Stringer, capped 98 times for his country, said: “Everybody in Irish rugby can see there is something very special happening at Saracens, and I can’t wait to be part of it.” » read full article

Cheering out the Champions

December 5, 2011, 1:36 pm sourced from saracens.com

Saracens weekend game against London Irish saw 20 excited pupils from St Albans and Barnet North Schools cheer out their heroes, creating the Guard of Honour alongside ‘Sarrie the Camel’ and the Saracen Sensations. All pupils had a fantastic experience which enabled them to be an arms length away from their role models running out onto the pitch, to showcase a great game of rugby. Many of these pupils and their families had never experienced a rugby game before, and as part of the AVIVA Premiership Rugby Schools Programme, they were given the opportunity to do this. Harry from Park Street School (St Albans) was very energized by the experience “I have watched Saracens play on television, but to see them up so close is amazing”. “I really enjoyed it and would like to go again sometime. The Guard of Honour was so much fun and I really like the t shirt. Stand up for Saracens!” Erica Jeans, St Mary’s N3 School » read full article

Joel Tomkins debut tonight

December 5, 2011, 11:06 am sourced from saracens.com

Joel Tomkins will make his rugby union debut tonight as Saracens Storm face Bath in the Aviva A-League, kick off is 7.30pm at Old Albanians. The 24-year-old joined from Wigan Warriors in November and he will make his bow in the 15 man game tonight, just four weeks after making the move from the Challenge Cup holders. He starts the match at outside centre. Full team news will be confirmed later today. Having played three matches in the A-League, a win for Saracens tonight could lift them up to second place in the Southern Conference. Entry for Saracens season tickets holders is free for all Saracens Storm home matches. » read full article

Saracens 15 London Irish 11

December 4, 2011, 4:36 pm sourced from saracens.com

Saracens were 15-11 winners against London Irish at Vicarage Road on Sunday. Owen Farrell kicked all of the points in the hard fought victory that maintains Sarries second place in the Aviva Premiership table going into the next two rounds of Heineken Cup action, starting with the Ospreys at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. The opening 40 minutes proved to be a battle of the boot and Tom Homer opened the scoring for the visitors with a long range penalty. But three Owen Farrell kicks, including two while Sarries were down to 14 men with John Smit in the sin bin, gave the home side a 9-3 lead. That kicking battle continued after the break when Dan Bowden hit three points for the visitors before Farrell struck again. And the fly half made if five from five with 10 minutes left on the clock to give Sarries a 15-6 lead. But with just four minutes to go, replacement hooker David Paice went over the line from close range to put his side back in the game and set up an exciting finish but the home side’s defence held firm to clinch the victory. Saracens line-up: Goode, Maddock (Strettle 5), Wyles, Powell, Short (Taylor 69), Farrell, Spencer, Stevens, Smit (George 55), Nieto (Gill 50), Borthwick, Botha (Kruis 52), Wray (Brown 55), Saull, Joubert. Replacements not used: Du Plessis, Baldwin » read full article

Saracens 15-11 London Irish

December 4, 2011, 4:05 pm sourced from bbc.co.uk

Owen Farrell kicks all of Saracens' points as they keep the pressure on Premiership leaders Harlequins by beating London Irish in a tryless game. » read full article

QBE Rugby Pro competition

December 4, 2011, 7:36 am sourced from saracens.com

QBE, the Official Business Insurance Partner of Premiership Rugby, is giving twelve grassroots rugby clubs the chance to win a specialist training session with Premiership Rugby players and coaches, plus £1,000 worth of kit as part of its QBE Rugby Pro competition. QBE, the business insurance specialist, is committed to the development of rugby at grassroots level and QBE Rugby Pro gives amateur clubs the chance to hone their skills under the expert guidance of professionals. Prizes will be awarded to innovative, forward thinking English clubs who demonstrate why they should be awarded a two hour session with Premiership Rugby players. The training sessions will be specially designed by Premiership Rugby coaches to assist in the development of winning clubs. Elliot Miller, QBE General Manager UK National, commented: “As part of QBE’s commitment to supporting rugby we have looked to enhance this year’s QBE Rugby Pro by rewarding more grassroots clubs with the opportunity to learn from the best. We are looking for deserving clubs who would really benefit from this prize.” Nominated clubs must be from outside Premiership Rugby and the RFU Championship. Entries can be submitted via a short form at www.qberugby.com until 3 January 2012. The nominations will be judged by a panel including members of the media, Premiership Rugby and QBE. The winning clubs will be contacted in January 2012 and published at www.qberugby.com. » read full article

Kennedys join the PDP team

December 4, 2011, 7:36 am sourced from saracens.com

International dispute resolution law firm, Kennedys LLP is teaming up with leading insurer, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) to offer another arm to their innovative work experience project for rugby players from Saracens which AGCS have been running for over a year. The project forms part of the club's challenging Personal Development Plan (PDP) that aims to improve players’ self-esteem and impact on life in general. As part of the PDP, Kennedys (initially through its Marine & International Trade Team) is organising a series of opportunities for some of the interested Saracens ' players who have been gaining invaluable experience with AGCS, to gain an understanding of the legal/insurance sector through a structured orientation programme that will also help highlight career development opportunities in the business world for life after rugby. Kennedys' Marine & International Trade Team recently joined the PDP programme by helping Saracens flanker Will Fraser gain an insight into how a leading dispute resolution law firm operates successfully in the City today. Will is benefiting from a unique series of opportunities to get to know Kennedys' insurance clients involved in international maritime disputes. His programme also covers a broad range of business activities, including meeting with Kennedys' trainee lawyers to learn about their routes to qualification, touring inside the Lloyd's insurance market to understand how it operates, tackling the production and delivery of an effective PowerPoint presentation for local schools, and contact with a number of Kennedys' clients for a wider perspective on this important international commercial sector. Will has also spent time with Kennedys own 'back row' - the Business Services professionals in Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, Business Development, Office Services and Information Services - to see how these departments support lawyers in delivering outstanding service to clients. Jonathan Evans at Kennedys has been invaluable to Saracens, and our Personal Development Programme this year. His generous investment in Will Fraser, and other Saracens players, will no doubt reap rewards as they demonstrate a work ethic and positive attitude towards Kennedys business challenges. » read full article

Stringer set for Saracens switch

December 3, 2011, 7:35 pm sourced from bbc.co.uk

Saracens are set to sign Munster and Ireland scrum-half Peter Stringer on a three-month loan deal. » read full article

Half price for kids in lounge

December 3, 2011, 12:06 pm sourced from saracens.com

Watch Saracens Aviva Premiership match on New Year's Day against Gloucester in style with our special family deal that sees children go half price in the 100 Club Lounge. It is sure to be one of the biggest matches at Vicarage Road so far this season and you can start the New Year with children enjoying the package half price. Space will be limited so early booking is essential. For full details of this 100 club lounge offer please contact Ross McCann on 01727 792 807 or Dan Cozens on 01727 792 827. » read full article

Awesome AVIVA Festival

December 2, 2011, 6:06 pm sourced from saracens.com

Barnet Elizabethans RFC hosted the first Year 4 Barnet North Festival today. With startling sunshine and super supporters, 150 pupils showcased their latest Tag Rugby skills with the chance to become the first ever Barnet North Year 4 Tag Rugby Champions. After only 5 rugby sessions delivered by the Saracens Sport Foundation coaches, 10 schools attended the festival as part of the AVIVA Premiership Rugby Schools Programme. All schools showed amazing knowledge of the game, and the atmosphere was electric. Teachers were fully trained in tag rugby as part of the AVIVA programme, so many teams managed to get in a few extra sessions before competing. With matches in full swing it gave all the teachers, spectators and pupils the chance to cheer on one another, with the Sports Leaders from Bishop Douglass High School being of extra special help, giving tips to teams and assisting the refereeing. Many of the games were very tight, and decisions for Semi final spots were down to trys scored, but Osidge, Whitings Hill, Sacred Heart and St Johns N11, managed to get to the semi finals. Close semi finals won by Sacred Heart and Whitings Hill meant they would take centre stage for the Final. With a nail biting end to end game, Sacred Heart managed to hold off the attack of Whitings Hill to come out Champions. Saracens would like to thank the assistance of the Sports Leaders from Bishop Douglass High School, Barnet Elizabethan RFC representatives and the School Games Organisers from Barnet Partnership for School Sport. Adrian Williams (coach at Barnet Elizabethan RFC) was amazed at the standard being displayed: “All the kids played their hearts out today and I was seriously impressed with their skill levels. It’s hard to imagine that most have them have only just started playing rugby! The Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme is perfectly suited to bringing out all the core skills young players need and I’m sure some of these kids will be playing at the highest level sooner rather than later.” If you would like to join Barnet Elizabethans RFC please visit www.barnetrfc.com for more information. » read full article

Team to face London Irish

December 2, 2011, 12:06 pm sourced from saracens.com

Saracens are in Aviva Premiership action on Sunday when they welcome London Irish to Vicarage Road. In team news ahead of the game, Adam Powell, Matt Stevens, Joe Maddock and Jackson Wray all come into the starting line-up fort the game against the third placed Exiles. Brad Barritt misses the game with a calf injury while Charlie Hodgson (knee) also misses out. Wray and Kelly Brown swap places on the bench as do Stevens and Rhys Gill. Speaking ahead of the game, Director of Rugby Mark McCall said: “Under the guidance of Toby Booth and Mike Catt, the Exiles have shown once again this season that they are a dangerous side with talented players across the pitch and we must be at our best – but we are really looking forward to it after an excellent week of preparation.” Saracens line-up vs London Irish 15 Alex Goode 14 Joe Maddock 13 Chris Wyles 12 Adam Powell 11 James Short 10 Owen Farrell 9 Ben Spencer 1 Matt Stevens 2 John Smit 3 Carlos Nieto 4 Steve Borthwick © 5 Mouritz Botha 6 Jackson Wray 7 Andy Saull 8 Ernst Joubert 16 Jamie George 17 Rhys Gill 18 Petrus du Plessis 19 George Kruis 20 Kelly Brown 21 Luke Baldwin 22 Duncan Taylor 23 David Strettle » read full article

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