Saracens news

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

Win a trip to New York

December 1, 2011, 4:36 pm sourced from saracens.com

To get into the festive spirit, the Saracens Sport Foundation is giving you the opportunity to become the exclusive holder of a golden ticket and therefore potentially, the very lucky recipient of a trip to New York for two. For just £20 you can give yourself a 1:250 chance to win the opportunity to explore this magical city with return flights and two nights accommodation in a top New York hotel. We have just 250 Golden Tickets to sell and each £20 will help support the life changing work of the Saracens Sport Foundation. Your first opportunity to buy your ticket will be this Sunday 4th December at the Saracens v London Irish match at Vicarage Road Stadium, where as well as selling tickets in the hospitality areas, the Foundation will have a stand on the Upper Rous concourse. The winning ticket will be drawn on New Year's Day at half time when Saracens face Gloucester. Remember, there are ONLY 250 tickets and there will be one lucky winner so get your Golden Ticket on Sunday and give yourself the chance of starting the New year in style …… For more information contact Bethany Kinsella on 01707285026/07823441206 or email bethanykinsella@saracens.net » read full article

Alan Day VW International Players Coaching Event

December 1, 2011, 1:07 pm sourced from saracens.com

On Wednesday 30th November Bramley Road Sport Ground home to Saracens Amateurs hosted a number of Saracens Players all with International experience behind them. The International Players Coaching Events are Saracens premium coaching experience run in association with Alan Day Volkswagen. The programme now in its fourth season has proven to be a fantastic success generating positive feedback from parents and participants alike. Saracens highest profile players are able to attend these evenings to pass on their expert coaching tips to young players across the community - most of these players are often unable to attend our traditional rugby camps due to their training commitments. The session was open to all players aged U7 – U16 and saw 100 players take part providing an opportunity to work on a number of skill stations alongside award winning coaches and Saracens players including; David Strettle – England Hayden Smith – USA Steve Borthwick – England Deon Carstens – South Africa Jamie George – England U20s Carlos Nieto – Italy Andy Saull – England Saxons Muuritz Botha - England The evening allowed young players to work in a fun and enjoyable environment developing individual concepts such as catch & pass, evasion, ball presentation and contact skills. Players also worked on unit development including rucking, decision making and defence organisation. The coaching session was followed with an opportunity to collect autographs and mingle with the above players providing a memorable evening for all those involved. Saracens Rugby Development Manager, Richard Gregg commented, “The ability to have an abundance of payers of this calibre all in one place for a coaching session is fantastic. Not only do these players provide coaching tips andadvice but they all join in with the sessions as well, providing a memorable experience for those involved. Without the support of Alan Day VW we would be unable to provide such an experience to the local community and for that we are very thankful, we look forward to working closely together for the remainder of the season and running another two International Players Coaching Events in the new year.” For further information on our rugby camps and future IPCE dates please visit www.rugbycamps.com/saracens or call jonbaker@saracens.net on 01707285026. Further Images to follow. Special thanks EG Baldwin Photography for providing the images - www.egbaldwinphotography.co.uk/ » read full article

Saracens suffer forwards setback

November 30, 2011, 4:35 pm sourced from bbc.co.uk

Saracens forward pair Hayden Smith and Mako Vunipola have undergone surgery and will be out for a number of weeks. » read full article

Feltham Young Offenders Get Onside

November 29, 2011, 12:36 pm sourced from saracens.com

The Get Onside Project is a pilot programme being run in partnership between Saracens Rugby Club and Feltham Young Offenders P.E. Department. The project itself looks to engage young adults in personal development and qualifications, using the power of sport to encourage them to challenge their attitudes and perceptions, whilst using rugby as a mechanism to support young people in their re engagement with society. The project begins with 10 week course delivered inside Feltham Young Offenders Institute. Within this, participants completed qualifications (such as RFU Level 1 and Community Sports Leaders Award) personal development sessions (challenging their perceptions and attitudes) and regular rugby sessions using Saracens core values of work rate, humility, discipline and honesty. Upon release each participant will be linked with their local rugby club and a mentor who will support them in playing rugby and in their continued personal development. Alongside this, they will also be linked with their local Hitz Rugby sessions (www.hitzrugby.com) where they will continue to develop their coaching skills whilst acting as role models to other young people. Glyn Smith from Feltham Young Offenders Institute said: “I have always believed that the values instilled in rugby could be harnessed to improve the opportunities and choices for young men in custody and I am delighted to be able to work with Saracens which I believe will have valuable impact on those who participate, for a long time to come.” For more information on the Get Onside Project, lease contact jamescoles@saracens.net » read full article

Good causes benefit from £750,000

November 29, 2011, 10:06 am sourced from saracens.com

Saracens have raised more than £750,000 for good causes during 2011. Nigel Wray, chairman, said: “In 1995, at the dawn of professional rugby union, a small London rugby club playing on a pitch in a public park had an annual turnover of approximately £52,000. At that point, we were joined by Peter Deakin from rugby league who created the concept of engaging kids through sport and education, making them feel valued. "From those small beginnings has come the Saracens Sports Foundation, directly engaging with more than 70,000 children and young people per annum, working with clubs and other charity partners to make a real difference in the UK and abroad. To have raised more than three quarters of a million pounds during the past year is a fantastic achievement. Congratulations to everyone at Saracens – players, staff and supporters – and thank you for your passion and enthusiasm. “May the good work continue. It just goes to show what a strong sporting brand can achieve within its community.” » read full article

Wasps 10 Saracens Storm 21

November 28, 2011, 10:06 pm sourced from saracens.com

Two tries from Will Fraser helped Saracens Storm get back to winning ways in the Aviva A-League with a 21-10 victory at Wasps. Duncan Taylor opened the scoring for Saracens thanks to a well worked try, with Sam Stanley adding the extras. Will Fraser then crossed the whitewash, with Stanley again converting to give Saracens a 14-3 lead at half time. Jonah Holmes went over for Wasps in the second half, but Fraser added his second try of the evening to secure victory. » read full article

Lead the team out at Wembley

November 28, 2011, 1:06 pm sourced from saracens.com

Saracens face the Ospreys at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 10th December – and we’re giving one lucky youngster the chance to be a mascot and lead the team out for the day. With Christmas just a few weeks away, this will make a fantastic present for loved ones and the chance to play a leading role at yet another memorable Saracens occasion at the world famous stadium. Your mascot package will include… • 4 VIP seats to watch the game • Pre-match tour of Wembley Stadium • Photo taken with a player of your choice • Lead out the team with the Saracens captain • Saracens Kit • Meet the players post match • Photo in the official match programme All proceeds from this item will be donated to the Hospice of St Francis, Saracens charity partner for the 2011/12 season. Click here to place your bid. » read full article

Storm travel to Wasps tonight

November 28, 2011, 12:36 pm sourced from saracens.com

Saracens Storm are in Aviva A-League action tonight when they face Wasps, kick off at Henley RFC is 7.30pm. In team news ahead of the game, Hugh Vyvyan, Justin Melck, Andy Saull, Joe Maddock and Kameli Ratuvou are among those in action. Gates open at 6pm. Entry is £5 for adults and £1 for U16s. Saracens Storm line-up vs Wasps 15 Ben Ransom 14 Joe Maddock 13 Sam Stanley 12 Kameli Ratuvou 11 Duncan Taylor 10 Nils Mordt 9 Jean-Baptiste Bruzulier 1 Nick Auterac 2 Scott Spurling 3 Petrus du Plessis 4 Billy Johnson 5 Hugh Vyvyan 6 Will Fraser 7 Andy Saullk 8 Justin Melck 16 Harry Allen 17 Val Rapava 18 Alex McKenzie 19 Eoin Sherriff 20 Sean Vine 21 Liam Davies 22 Geoffrey Sella 23 Henry Staff » read full article

Sarries beaten at the Gardens

November 26, 2011, 7:06 pm sourced from saracens.com

Saracens were beaten 30-8 at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday. The home side held a 27-3 lead at the interval and Saracens were unable to recover from the deficit after the break in the Aviva Premiership clash – ending a run of nine successive away league wins. Saracens were blown away in the opening 40 minutes in which Saints scored three tries. Lee Dickson crossed the line with 10 minutes on the clock when he spotted a gap in the defensive line just a few metres out. Ryan Lamb converted. Owen Farrell hit back with a penalty before Lamb replied with three points of his own only for George Pisi burst through midfield minutes later after taking what looked like a forward pass. Lamb added the extras and then struck with a drop goal midway through the half before the home side scored their third of the afternoon. Driving the ball from 10 metres out, Phil Dowson got the final touchdown and Lamb’s extras gave the home side a 27-3 advantage going into the second half. Saracens started brightly after the break and enjoyed much of the possession in the opening 10 minutes of the half, but they were unable to take advantage of the pressure and when Lamb had a chance to extend the lead with a penalty in front of the posts on the hour, he made no mistake. That looked like the final action of the match until a flowing move, started by Chris Wyles, saw Ernst Joubert cross the line in the corner. Saracens line-up: Goode, Strettle (Powell 52), Wyles, Barritt, Short (Taylor 76), Farrell, Spencer (Baldwin 64), Gill (Carstens 52), Smit (George 60), Nieto (Stevens 41), Borthwick, Botha (Kruis 52), Brown (Wray 60), Burger, Joubert. » read full article

Sensational start to the school year in Barnet

November 25, 2011, 1:06 pm sourced from saracens.com

Saracens have been working in Barnet over the last term in a number of different Primary and Secondary Schools, this has been made possible with funding from London’s FreeSport programme and SPORTIVATE. These programmes are designed to get young people engaged in sport and activity, so the Foundation decided to target a new area to run our ever expanding Cheerleading programme in. These cheerleading sessions have been hugely well received and as a result of their popularity we have decided to set up a NEW School of Cheer in Barnet. The evening School of Cheer class will continue to work on the cheerleading skills, including stunts and gymnastic moves, which the young people have been working on but they will now be pushed even more as we plan to get these groups competing by July 2012 along side our other Schools of Cheer which take place in and around Hertfordshire. All of our Schools of Cheer have been set up primarily so that we can continue to offer opportunities for young people to take part in Cheerleading and for those children who are keen to compete at a higher level, but anyone is welcome to join as no experience is necessary. If you would like to join our NEW School of cheer in Barnet sessions take place at Copthall School on Wednesday evenings: Under 13s 4pm-5pm Under 18s 5pm-6pm If you would like more information on our Schools Of Cheer please contact Clare Bellchambers on 01707 285 026 » read full article

Northampton v Saracens

November 25, 2011, 1:05 pm sourced from bbc.co.uk

Northampton host Saracens in Saturday's Premiership fixture at Franklin's Gardens (1700 GMT). » read full article

Team to face Northampton

November 25, 2011, 12:06 pm sourced from saracens.com

Saracens return to Aviva Premiership action on Saturday when they travel to Northampton Saints. In team news ahead of the game, Owen Farrell starts the match at fly half with Carlos Nieto, Mouritz Botha and Alex Goode all returning to the starting line-up for the match. Hooker John Smit makes his debut in the Premiership, but fly half Charlie Hodgson is ruled out with the knee injury that saw him leave the field at half time last weekend in Biarritz. On the bench, back row Jackson Wray returns after missing the last six weeks with an ankle injury. Saracens line-up vs Northampton Saints 15 Alex Goode 14 David Strettle 13 Chris Wyles 12 Brad Barritt 11 James Short 10 Owen Farrell 9 Ben Spencer 1 Rhys Gill 2 John Smit 3 Carlos Nieto 4 Steve Borthwick (c) 5 Mouritz Botha 6 Kelly Brown 7 Jacques Burger 8 Ernst Joubert 16 Jamie George 17 Deon Carstens 18 Matt Stevens 19 George Kruis 20 Jackson Wray 21 Luke Baldwin 22 Adam Powell 23 Duncan Taylor » read full article

Nick Auterac visits Park Street Primary School for rugby masterclass

November 25, 2011, 11:06 am sourced from saracens.com

Thursday 24th November Saracens youngster, Nick Auterac visited pupils at Park Steet Primary School as they took part in a session teaching them the basics of rugby as part of the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme. The youngsters took part in a wide range of core activities designed to broaden both interest and participation in the game and got to meet one of the local stars of the Aviva Premiership Rugby. Park Street Primary is one of the first schools in the country to receive exclusive training from one of the country’s top players and the session was part of Aviva’s commitment to unearth the next generation of future England stars. One school from Hertfordshire will also go on to take part in a tag rugby demonstration at the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final at Twickenham on Saturday 28th May. As well a visit from the Saracens star they also had the chance to have their photo taken with the Aviva Premiership Trophy. Nick Auterac said: “The programme is a great idea and will help nurture young English talent of the future as well as giving young people more confidence and inspiration to enjoy sport and keep fit. It’s also targeting non-traditional rugby playing schools, so hopefully it will bring a whole new audience to the game.” Heather Edwards, PE teacher at Park Street Primary Said:”The children really enjoyed the challenge of learning a new sport and learning all the rule. Seeing the Aviva Premiership Trophy gave them some real inspiration to do well in the sport and having Nick Auterac visit was a real treat that really excited all of them”. » read full article

Win £250,000 at Wembley

November 25, 2011, 9:06 am sourced from saracens.com

Want to win £250,000 just by kicking a rugby ball? Then make sure you enter the Domino’s Kicking Challenge at Wembley Stadium Saturday 10th December when Saracens face the Ospreys in the Heineken Cup. Follow in the footsteps of Stuart Tinner and Matthew Rouse by walking away with a life-changing sum of money. In the Domino’s Kicking Challenge, one spectator - selected at random from the crowd - will have up to 12 place kicks in 30 seconds to kick the ball through a circular target within a giant Domino’s pizza box suspended between the posts. You can enter the contest right now, but you must have a match ticket for the game. You can enter the contest in two ways. To enter via SMS, text DKC plus your block, row and seat number to 87474 * Alternatively, enter via email to dominoschallenge@saracens.net. Please include your name, block, row and seat number along with a contact telephone number on which you can be reached at the game. Terms and Conditions 1. Text ‘DKC’ and your full name, block, row and seat number to 87474 before 6pm on Saturday 10th December 2011 2. *SMS Text entries cost £1.50 plus 1 message at standard network rate – proceeds will be split between two charities, the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund and The Hospice of St Francis. 3. Of those that have entered, one spectator will be selected at random and taken on to the field during the half-time break 4. They have up to a maximum of 12 attempts within 30 seconds to kick the ball from a kicking tee on the 22m line through the hole in the Domino’s pizza box. There are no practice kicks. The rugby ball must go through the hole and come out fully the other side of the Domino’s pizza box to be successful. 5. If successful, the competitor will take home £250,000! - Each applicant will receive 1 return message from Saracens Rugby Club. - To stop text STOP at any time to 87474 and you will not receive any future Saracens text messages. - Lines close at 6pm on Saturday 10th December 2011; a winner will be randomly selected immediately following this. - Any messages sent after this time will not be entered in to the competition. - In order to qualify for this competition you must clearly detail your name, block, row and seat number on your application text message. Entries that do not clearly contain this information will be treated as invalid. - Selected contestants cannot transfer their prize attempt, the person taking the kick must be the registered owner of the winning mobile phone number. - A member of the Saracens match day staff will come and find the randomly selected contestant in Wembley Stadium on 10th December during the Saracens v Ospreys Heineken Cup match. - Entrants must already be a holder of a valid match ticket to the game to qualify for entry. - If you are or have ever been a professional or semi professional Rugby Union, Rugby League, Association Football, Gaelic Football, Australian Rules or NFL player then you are not eligible to enter the competition. - Competitors can be any age, however if under the age of 16 years you must get permission from a parent or guardian before entering the competition. Should someone under the age of 16 years win the prize fund, parental or guardian consent will be required before the prize money is awarded. - The selected contestant cannot transfer their prize attempt. - To enter for free you can write ‘DKC’ in the subject, and email your full name, mobile number, block, row and seat number to dominoschallenge@saracens.net before 6pm on Saturday 10th December 2011 » read full article

Win Royal Box tickets at Saracens v Ospreys

November 24, 2011, 2:06 pm sourced from saracens.com

Win 2 Royal Box hospitality tickets to Saracens v Ospreys at Wembley on Saturday 10th December 2011 Alan Day Volkswagen and Saracens have teamed up for the 2011-2012 rugby union season. Nigel Wray, Saracens Chairman said: “As a major London company, Alan Day Volkswagen, is an ideal partner for Saracens. We are delighted to be associated with such a quality brand.” The new partnership gives Saracens supporters like yourself access to exclusive Alan Day promotions throughout the 2011 – 2012 Aviva Premiership Rugby season. And to mark this partnership, you have the opportunity to enjoy a Saracens game from prime seats. Yes, Alan Day Volkswagen are holding a Prize Draw, giving you the chance to win 2 Royal Box hospitality tickets for the Saracens v Ospreys match at Wembley on Saturday 10th December (kick-off at 6pm). To enter our Saracens Match Prize Draw, simply click the button below to enter your details and if you’re lucky, we could be seeing you at Wembley on the 10th December. Good luck! Click here to enter our Saracens Prize Draw Visit the Alan Day and Saracens Partnership Website. » read full article

Hayden Smith attends the Francis Combe Academy Presentation Evening

November 23, 2011, 5:36 pm sourced from saracens.com

Hayden Smith encouraged youngsters from Francis Combe Academy to follow in his footsteps last Thursday 17th November when he presented at its 3rd Annual Francis Combe Academy Presentation Evening. Last season’s Aviva Premiership Community Player of the Year, made all the presentations and lit up the evening with an inspirational speech which outlined his rise to Rugby’s elite and competing in the recent World Cup in New Zealand, but also emphasised the importance of education. Governors, Councillors, Sponsors, Guests, Parents and Students enjoyed an uplifting evening which demonstrated how proud the Academy is of its students. Awards included Harry Hawley and Chelsea Haney being given the ‘Heroes’ Award for their support of younger students. As well as the ‘Volunteers Award’, which went to Kennedy Coupe for her voluntary work in taking dance classes at neighbouring Garston Manor school in her free time as well as leading the Academy in raising over £1200 for the Veterans Aid charity. Hayden Smith said, “These guys have show throughout the year that they posses all of Saracens core values which are; honesty, discipline, work ethic and humility. It is such a please to be here and to share the evening with such inspiring people”. Principal Leo Gilbert opened the evening with a welcome speech and afterwards expressed how immensely proud he was of all the students, saying “It’s evenings and events like this that remind us of why we get so much pleasure out of working with young people – they are a credit to themselves, their families and the Academy”. » read full article

‘Fazzle Dazzle’ - draws the crowd

November 23, 2011, 4:06 pm sourced from saracens.com

Tuesday 22nd November saw the second installment of this season Saracens Coach Education Programme. The session ‘Fazzle Dazzle’ – The Importance of Basics & Good Decision Making was delivered by non other than Saracens First Team Coach Andy Farrell. Once again coaches from across the Saracens community attended in great numbers with over 100 coaches in attendance. Coaches from a wide variety of Saracens Partner Schools and Clubs ranging form junior sections right through to senior level coaches attended the session that looked at how Saracens approach the development of their EPDG Academy players and those in the senior ranks. With a new format employed for the session, the coaches were initially presented to by Saracens Academy Elite Player Development Manager, Matt Davies, who outlined the approach the club takes to nurturing the development of players. Matt then discussed the periodastion of the boys training and how they utilse a rugby curriculum to ensure a rounded development of the players techniques, skills and game understanding. Matt emphasized the importance of putting players in ‘real’ situation where they are empowered to make decisions under pressure. The aims of the session were then discussed highlighting that attacking play was the focus of the session alongside attacking shape. The coaches then moved to the field where Andy Farrell was the master of ceremonies for the evening informing the coaches of the importance of working on the basic skills and ensuring that players practice making decisions through game play. Andy Farrell then shed light on the special environment that is nurtured at Saracens and how that everyone involved at the club understands that work rate underpins everything that we do. He also talked about the positive nature of the feedback at the club with skill errors being seen as challenge to the coaches and players to keep improving. The session which was delivered by Saracens legends Richard Hill and Kevin Sorrell looked at using an attacking overload game to create more attacking opportunities where players had to successfully communicate and execute against what presented to them. A whole –part-whole coaching method was employed with the boys moving to a series of skill development activities which initially look at the catch and pass skill and the developed to look at depth and taking the space when it was available. Andy Farrell continued to add his insight and knowledge with input that stressed the importance of attention to detail when coaching. The session continued to develop with more pressure being applied on the boys within a constantly changing environment thus highlighting to the boys the importance of playing heads up rugby. A constant theme throughout the session was the need for players to experience scenarios so they get a feel and understanding for how to find solutions to problems. The session culminated with a 15 on 15 game as the Academy under 16’s and under 18’s sides have fixtures in the forthcoming weeks. Once again the game was conditioned so that the boys had the opportunity to experience and play the Saracens way. As one coach commented, “that passage of play, put the skills they were practicing in to practice. In not much space they were comfortable in attacking and passing to put away the overlap, exactly what they had been looking at’. With Saracens being successful on the pitch and with so many youngsters coming up through the ranks the unique way that Saracens approaches player development is obviously paying off. The same can be said of the way the coaches are continuing to better themselves and improve the players. Richard Gregg Community Manager said, “events like tonight are great, not only do we get the opportunity to share our thoughts and ideas with other schools and clubs, we see that there are coaches across our community who have the same approach to development and are willing to volunteer their time to invest in their development and that of their players”. Ian Jay supported the view saying that, “ the session was great. It was really informative . Thank you very much and I look forward to the next installment.” The next date for the Saracens Coach education Programme will be announced shortly and for more information on this programme please email alexausterberry@saracens.net or call the community team on 01707 285 026. » read full article

Youngsters are treated to “Masterclassâ€�

November 23, 2011, 4:06 pm sourced from saracens.com

Students from St James’ Catholic High School in Colindale, North London were treated to an ESPN Masterclass with star rugby players on Wednesday 23rd. The morning focused on attacking options and decision making with the desired outcomes being; a greater understanding of the options available to them on the pitch, executing the basics well when faced with decisions as well as a massive emphasis on having fun. St James’ is only a stones through away from Barnet Copthall Stadium, the proposed new home for the current premiership champions. Saracens stars Brad Barritt and James Short took sessions with the children, while TV pundit and former England scrum-half Pete Richards was on hand to offer his expert tips. More than 180 children took part in the coaching day, organised as part of ESPN's Aviva Premiership coverage. James Short, who scored the only try in last season's Premiership final said: "As a professional player, it’s great to come down to a local school and see the great work the Saracens community team are doing in north London. Many of the kids taking part today have never played the game before, so to see their energy and enthusiasm for rugby is fantastic." Pete Richards added: "Saracens have become experts at introducing children to rugby, particularly in inner-city areas across London. For the children here today, playing alongside two top-class professional players could provide the inspiration they need to take their sport more seriously." Saracens centre Brad Barritt said he was impressed by the children from St James School. He said: "Getting the whole community of Barnet involved with rugby is something Saracens take very seriously. The work the community coaches have been doing with schools like this has encouraged kids to take up the game and produced some talented young rugby players. The kids were enthusiastic and eager to learn which makes the whole experience that more enjoyable." » read full article

Richard Hill’s World Cup Review - Limited Space Available...

November 23, 2011, 3:36 pm sourced from saracens.com

December 7th 2011 will see Saracens, England and British Lions legend Richard Hill MBE host an exclusive event at Surrey Sports Park in aid of the Saracens Sport Foundation. Having recently celebrated a decade of delivery, The Saracens Sport Foundation continues to change lives through the power of sport, inspiring communities from a grass-root level right through to international projects. Canapés and wine sourced from the Stellenbosch region of South Africa, where the Foundation runs an innovative initiative, will provide the backdrop to what promises to be an exciting networking opportunity. This evening of rugby chat will feature a question and answer session with Richard himself, whilst guests will have the chance to mingle with other members of the Saracens squad returning from World Cup duty – including recent signing and most capped Springbok captain ever, John Smit. Places are limited due to the unique nature of this event, but anybody wishing to capitalise on this opportunity should contact: Bethany Kinsella Fundraising Officer on 07823441206 or email bethanykinsella@saracens.net » read full article

De Kock fracture rocks Saracens

November 23, 2011, 11:05 am sourced from bbc.co.uk

Saracens are dealt another blow at scrum-half with the news Neil de Kock will be out for up to three months with a fractured arm. » read full article

About | Blog | © RugbyTweets 2012 | RugbyTweets is not affiliated with Twitter. Developed by Ollie Parsley and Designed by Paul Randall