Below are the latest new stories for Saracens. There is a link to each news story below the summary. Or you can go back to the Saracens area.
Borthwick returns to face Saints
March 2, 2012, 12:07 pm sourced from saracens.com
Saracens are in Aviva Premiership action on Sunday when they welcome Northampton Saints to Vicarage Road, kick off 5pm. In team news ahead of the game, Saracens include England returnees Charlie Hodgson and Matt Stevens in their 23 with Hodgson starting the match and Stevens on the bench. Steve Borthwick also returns from injury to lead the side and other changes see Duncan Taylor, James Short, Rhys Gill and Justin Melck come into the starting XV. Peter Stringer starts at scrum half in what will be his final Saracens appearance before his loan spell ends. Joining Stevens on the replacement’s bench are John Smit, Hugh Vyvyan, Jackson Wray, Joel Tomkins and Neil de Kock who all started last weekend. Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall said: “We have played some good rugby in our past two matches and although we have come up just short in both games, there have been some very good performances from a number of players. We have enjoyed an excellent week of preparation and are really looking forward to the game against a very strong Northampton Saints side.” Saracens line-up vs Northampton Saints 15 Alex Goode 14 Duncan Taylor 13 Chris Wyles 12 Adam Powell 11 James Short 10 Charlie Hodgson 9 Peter Stringer 1 Rhys Gill 2 Schalk Brits 3 Carlos Nieto 4 Steve Borthwick © 5 George Kruis 6 Justin Melck 7 Andy Saull 8 Ernst Joubert 16 Jamie George 17 John Smit 18 Matt Stevens 19 Hugh Vyvyan 20 Jackson Wray 21 Neil de Kock 22 Joel Tomkins 23 Joe Maddock » read full article
Burleigh School get ‘Scrummy’ with Saracens
March 2, 2012, 11:36 am sourced from saracens.com
The Saracens prop was supporting an innovative project called 'Scrummy', which uses rugby to educate children about leading a healthy lifestyle. The programme combines classroom lessons, sports activities and food preparation challenges, in a bid to encourage healthy lifestyles amongst primary school children. On Thursday 1st March, year five students from Burleigh School completed their final lesson of the Scrummy programme. The youngsters prepared a Greek Salad and a Fruit Desert in groups of four, with the dishes then graded by their peers and judged on appearance and taste. The top two teams will now go head-to-head with other schools in a regional Master Chef style competition later in the year. Simone Shepherd, Saracens Sports Development officer said: “What we have tried to do in the classroom sessions is link Saracens, so they have been thinking about what the players eat in order to exercises effectively. We have been encouraging them to think about what they need in their bodies to keep themselves nice and healthy”. Carlos Nieto said: “As rugby players nutrition is very important. At Saracens we have a nutritionist to ensure we eat all the correct things. It is important that as a club we share our knowledge with the next generation. Many of these children have told me that they have tried food today that they have never eaten before which is great”. Sarah Waite, year five teacher at Burleigh School added: “The Scrummy programme has been fantastic, we get a lot of these types of programmes but this has defiantly been the best, partly down to Simone and also the fact that it was something the children were quite interested in and they are defiantly much more concerned about being healthy and they really do get a better understanding of a healthy lifestyle”. » read full article
Travel advice for Wembley match
March 2, 2012, 9:36 am sourced from saracens.com
Engineering work is taking place on the Metropolitan line between Harrow on the Hill and Rickmansworth and Croxley, and on the London Overground network between Watford Junction and Queen’s Park on Saturday 31st March 2012. Saracens and Harlequins supporters travelling to the match at Wembley Stadium from the Watford area are advised to use London Midland or Southern services from Watford Junction to Harrow & Wealdstone, and change there for Bakerloo line services to Wembley Central station. Paper tickets valid between Watford Junction and Wembley Central and Pay as you Go Oyster Cards with sufficient credit will be accepted on this route. National Rail fares between Watford Junction and Harrow & Wealdstone will apply for those passengers with a zone one to seven season ticket. A limited Metropolitan line service will operate between Watford and Amersham and Chesham (approximately a 15 minute service) and extra rail replacement buses will be in operation between Rickmansworth and Harrow on the Hill before and after the event. A normal service will operate on the Metropolitan line between Aldgate and Harrow on the Hill, in addition to a full service on the Jubilee and Bakerloo lines. Please visit the TfL website (tfl.gov.uk) for the latest travel information. Despite the engineering work taking place between Harrow on the Hill and Rickmansworth / Croxley, there are still a number of ways of travelling to and from Wembley from both the North and South. From the South (from Central London) · Bakerloo line services between Central London and Wembley Central · Jubilee line services between Central London and Wembley Park · Metropolitan line services between Central London and Wembley Park · Chiltern services between Central London to Wembley Stadium · Southern services between Clapham Junction and Wembley Central From the North (from the Watford area) · London Midland / Southern services from Watford Junction to Harrow & Wealdstone (8 min journey) and then change to Bakerloo line services (9 mins journey) · Boosted rail replacement buses from Rickmansworth (Metropolitan line operating between Watford and Rickmansworth) to Harrow on the Hill (36 mins journey), then Metropolitan line services to Wembley Park (7 min journey) · London Midland services to Euston (18 mins journey) then use Metropolitan line services from Euston Square to Wembley Park (18 mins journey) · Drive to Harrow on the Hill, then use Metropolitan line services to Wembley Park (7 mins journey) · Drive to Stanmore or the No142 bus from Watford to Stanmore (40 mins by bus) and use Jubilee line services to Wembley Park (11 mins) · Chiltern services from Denham to Wembley Stadium (14 mins) For more travel advice, visit www.tfl.gov.uk. The Saracens Supporters Association are also running extra coaches to Wembley from a number of pick-up points. Visit www.saracenssupporters.org » read full article
Easter Camps On Sale Now
March 1, 2012, 6:36 pm sourced from saracens.com
This Easter, the Saracens Community Team will be delivering camps across the community at various partner clubs and Saracens invite you to join the fun... The Saracens Rugby Camp Programme is aimed at U6 – U16 playing age groups and provides organized, educational and structured activities utilizing award winning coaches from the Saracens Community team. The camps have been designed to provide young players with a total rugby experience, contributing to their personal development on and off the field. The Saracens coaches will instill some of the values that drive professional players, urging young talent to play with passion and commitment, respect and discipline whilst focusing on their individual and unit skill development. •2nd April – Pinner RFC – One Day Intensive Skills Clinic - £25.00 •2nd & 3rd April - Saracens Amateur RFC - Two Day Skills Clinic - £50.00 •3rd April – Harrow RFC – One Day Intensive Skills Clinic - £25.00 ** •3rd April – Brentwood RFC – One Day Intensive Skills Clinic - £25.00 •4th April - Haberdashers Askes Boys School - One Day Intensive Skills Clinic - £25.00 •4th & 5th April - Old Albanian RFC - Two Day Skills Clinic - £54.00 •4th & 5th April - Blackheath RFC - Two Day Skills Clinic - £54.00 •5th April - Old Grammarians RFC - One Day Intensive Skills Clinic - £25.00 •10th April - Barnet RFC - One Day Intensive Skills Clinic - £25.00 •10th April - Bedford RFC - One Day Intensive Skills Clinic - £25.00 ** •10th & 11th April - Saracens Amateur RFC - Two Day Skills Clinic - £50.00 •11th April – Welwyn RFC – One Day Skills Clinic - £25.00 •11th & 12th April - Old Albanian RFC - Two Day Skills Clinic - £54.00 •12th April – Romford RFC – One Day Intensive Skills Clinic - £25.00 ** •12th & 13th April - Dartfordians RFC - Two Day Skills Clinic - £50.00 •13th April - Hitchin RFC - One Day Intensive Skills Clinic - £25.00 •13th April - Dover RFC - One Day Intensive Skills Clinic - £25.00 ** TO BE CONFIRMED For further information on all our camps running during Easter, including: venues, dates , times and prices please click here for 10% off or alternatively call the community team on 01707 285026. Each booking is subject to a £2.50 handling fee. 10% discount applies to online bookings only. Prices shown are online prices » read full article
Hong Kong travel packages
March 1, 2012, 11:36 am sourced from saracens.com
Saracens will play the Asia Pacific Barbarians in Hong Kong on Saturday 9th June and in association with Winning Tours incorporating Sporting Destinations, we have arranged travel packages for fans wanting to make the trip for the Chartis Cup match. The seven night package will leave London on Saturday 2nd June and you will return to the UK on the morning on Monday 11th June with the choice of a number of different hotels. Chartis and the match organisers have pledged that proceeds from the event will go towards the Royal Project office in Thailand, under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, to renovate schools hit by flooding last year and help students from very poor families with the expense of attending classes. The full escorted travel packages will include: • International Economy flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow • All airport taxes • Service of a Winning Tours incorporating Sporting Destinations member of staff at check in • Meet & greet on arrival in Hong Kong • Return transfers from airport/hotel • Service of our Tour Manager and local representative in Hong Kong • 7 night’s accommodation with breakfast daily (see hotel choice) • Pre match Chinese buffet meal before game Package Details Outward Depart London Heathrow Sat 2nd June @ 22:30 Arrive Hong Kong Sun 3rd June @ 17:50 Return Depart Hong Kong Sun 10th June at 23:25 Arrive London Heathrow Mon 11h June @ 05:25 Staying at The Parklane or The Excelsior Hotels £2,100 per person twin/double share / £2,835 single occupancy Staying at The Rosedale on The Park or Express by Holiday Inn £1,700 per person twin/double share / £2,100 single occupancy For more details, information about each hotel and excursions that will be available on request while in Hong Kong, visit www.winningtours.co.uk or call 01903 832861. » read full article
Squad takes to the River Thames
February 29, 2012, 12:36 pm sourced from saracens.com
The Saracens squad will be continuing their fundraising for the Hospice of St Francis on Monday when they take to the River Thames for a rowing challenge that will pit the forwards against the backs. With two training sessions on the river already under their belts, the competition between the two teams has been hotting up and the battle to be crowned rowing champions will commence at 11.00am and the London Rowing Club in Putney. Led by the forwards captain George Kruis and backs captain Adam Powell, the teams will battle it out over the 2,500m course...and judging by the banter in the two training events, it is sure to be a fiercely contested race. The players and coaches of Saracens have teamed up with the Hertfordshire based hospice and pledged to raise the cash after fullback Chris Wyles’ mother Jessica was cared for by the hospice earlier this year. The club is aiming to raise sufficient funds to provide three full-time specialist nurses for the Hospice of St Francis. You can make a donation to this great cause by visiting - www.justgiving.com/saracensappeal » read full article
Internationals VW Coaching Event
February 28, 2012, 2:06 pm sourced from saracens.com
The evening of Tuesday 27th March sees the return of Saracens most popular coaching experience. The Alan Day Volkswagen International Player Coaching Events are Saracens premium coaching experience. 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. Participants will work around various skill stations run by Saracens high profile players who will pass on their wealth of experience in order for individuals to enhance their player development on and off the field. *Previous players who have attended include Steve Borthwick, Schalk Brits, David Strettle, Brad Barritt, Jaques Burger, Andy Saull plus more!! Course: Alan Day VW International Players Coaching Event Venue: Saracens Amateurs (N14 4AB) Date: Tuesday 27th March Time: 18:00 – 20:15 Ages: U7 – U16 Online Price: £25.00 To book your place or for further information please visit for 10% off or alternatively call the community team on 01707 285026. We strongly recommend you book early to avoid disappointment and these events always sell out. To book your place or for further information please click here for 10% off or alternatively call the community team on 01707 285026. *Players are yet to be confirmed for March 27th. A £2.50 booking fee applies to all bookings made. Price shown above is the online price and therefore includes the 10% discount. » read full article
iPad joins the Saracens squad
February 28, 2012, 9:36 am sourced from saracens.com
Saracens continue to push the boundaries of professional sport. The north London club has worked with Active Digital-ILG Business to develop a bespoke Apple application, serving as a unique training tool and communications vehicle. All players and coaches have been provided with specially encrypted iPads. Scott Murphy, High Performance director, said: “We are committed to innovating and seeking a better way. The new Saracens App transforms the coaching environment, and enables players and coaches to review past match footage, statistics, training sessions, team talks, personal development sessions and the evolving schedule at the press of a button... any place, any time. As a result, we believe we will become a better informed, better coached and better connected organisation. The scary part is we have only scraped the surface of what this technology can offer...” Leading Premier League football clubs have asked to use the technology designed by Saracens. » read full article
Hodgson back in England training
February 27, 2012, 3:05 pm sourced from bbc.co.uk
Saracens stand-off Charlie Hodgson returns to England's 32-man training squad ahead of the Six Nations match against France on 11 March. » read full article
Worcester 16 Saracens 11
February 24, 2012, 10:06 pm sourced from saracens.com
Saracens were beaten 16-11 in the Aviva Premiership on Friday night as Worcester Warriors came from behind to clinch the victory at Sixways. The visitors had led 8-0 after 30 minutes and were seemingly in control of the game, but a spirited fightback from the home side saw them clinch a vital win in their fight against relegation. Despite dominating the opening 40 minutes, Saracens found themselves behind on the scoreboard at the interval. A superb try after just 10 minutes from Michael Tagicakibau has set the visitors on their way. A flowing move that started with Alex Goode stepping into the line before releasing Andy Saull and then Schalk Brits eventually ended when the Fijian wing took the ball out wide and raced home. Goode put the conversion wide but he was on target minutes later with a penalty to give Sarries an 8-0 lead. That was cut short on the half hour when Andy Goode struck a penalty, but on the stroke of half time, the home side crossed the line. It started when Schalk Brits saw a clearance kick out wide charged down and when the ball was worked wide, Alex Grove made the most of a poor pass to kick the ball ahead and score. Andy Goode converted to make it 10-8 to the Warriors at the break. The lead swapped again after the break as Alex Goode slotted a penalty from the touchline, but his namesake from Worcester responded with 60 minutes on the clock to regain the lead for the home side. Saracens pushed for the winning score in the closing minutes but when they twice came close to the line, they lose the ball within inches of the whitewash and the home side hung on for the victory. Saracens line-up: Goode, Tagicakibau (Short 50), Tomkins (Maddock 70), Powell, Wyles, Mordt, De Kock (Stringer 50), Smit (Gill 50), Brits (George 67), Nieto (Du Plessis 63), Kruis, Vyvyan (Sheriff 50), Fraser (Wray 75), Saull, Joubert. » read full article
Worcester 16-11 Saracens
February 24, 2012, 10:05 pm sourced from bbc.co.uk
Worcester take a big step to avoiding Premiership relegation by defeating champions Saracens at Sixways. » read full article
Saracens announce six more deals
February 24, 2012, 5:35 pm sourced from bbc.co.uk
Saracens hand deals to Chris Wyles, Kelly Brown, George Kruis, Jackson Wray, Eoin Sheriff and James Short. » read full article
Saracens visit Defence Academy
February 24, 2012, 5:09 pm sourced from saracens.com
The evening of 15th Feb, the usual rugby training session of the Defence Academy Rugby Team took up a higher tempo as they were joined by three coaches from Saracens. The Defence Academy of the UK is located at Shrivenham, near Swindon and is the UK's Defence higher educational establishment. Students undertake post-graduate education and the majority of command, staff, leadership, defence management, acquisition, and technology training for members of the UK Armed Forces and MOD Civilian Servants. Matt Davies, the Saracens Academy Elite Player Manager, along with Richard Hill MBE and Academy Coach and former player Moses Rauluni attended the session where they offered some advice over the Defence Academy team’s game play and techniques as they prepare for the final half of their season. The Defence Academy Veterans Team (‘The Shags’) is made up primarily of the course members of the Advance Command and Staff Course whose ages vary between 35 and 47 and who come from five different countries. The evenings coaching focused on honing the skills and game plays. Richard Hill showed techniques to make the lineout sequences more structured and therefore ensured the Shags are able to contest every ball. Noting that the combined age of the forwards is almost 350 years old, Matt provided an insight into the mystical art of scrummaging and winning at the breakdown. The backs were offered ways of ensuring a robust defensive line by Moses and were shown how to quickly utilise turn overs and attack. Basing their training on the Saracens ethos of ‘doing the basics well’, the team were able to pick up their game plays as part of their on-going preparation for the annual Lerwilll Cup against the French École de Guerre in Paris at the end of March. The UK Defence Academy have won the Lerwill Cup 12 times over its 14 year history and this year students are hoping to bring the trophy back to the Staff College again. Wing Commander Nick Robson, the Director of Rugby at the Defence Academy highlighted “The military recognises the value sport provides in team building and individual development, both physically and mentally. There is a direct benefit to their day-job, irrespective of which Service they are from. To have access to the Saracens coaches, even for one night, was a great privilege that we will all remember for years to come.”Saracens have a strong bond with the British Armed Forces and RAFRU are an official Partner Club. Matt Davies said: “Saracens are proud of our relationship with the military and we are keen to assist the Defence Academy, especially with their Lerwill Cup campaign.” The Shags now are aiming to turn those two hours of access to the Saracens coaches from theory into game-winning practice and Saracens wish them all the best of luck with the game taking place at the end of this month. » read full article
Wyles extends Saracens Stay
February 24, 2012, 5:09 pm sourced from saracens.com
Chris Wyles has extended his contract with Saracens. Mark McCall, Director of Rugby, said: "Chris Wyles has been an outstanding player for Saracens over the past few seasons, and we are delighted he has committed his future to the club." Chris Wyles said: "I am very pleased to have extended my contract. A increasing number of people - players, staff and supporters - are increasingly happy to be involved with this club, and I am one of them." » read full article
Brown signs on for more
February 24, 2012, 4:06 pm sourced from saracens.com
Kelly Brown, the Scottish international, has extended his contract with Saracens. Mark McCall, Director of Rugby, said: "Kelly is an outstanding international rugby player, who has been brilliant for Saracens. We are delighted he has committed his future to the club." Kelly Brown said: "The move south has worked out brilliantly for me, my wife and our two young children, on and off the field. We are very happy to stay a good while longer." » read full article
Super Sunny Tag Festival
February 24, 2012, 3:36 pm sourced from saracens.com
230 pupils from across the Welwyn and Hatfield Partnership came together for a super sunny tag festival on Thursday February 24th at Welwyn Rugby Club. Over 20 schools came together to showcase their new skills learned as part of the Saracens Tag Rugby Programme. The Saracens Tag Rugby Programme aims to increase the numbers of primary school delivering Tag Rugby activities to its pupils. Every primary school teacher within the community is given the opportunity to attend a Saracens ‘Ready for Rugby’ teachers training session. The competition had heated up noticeably from last year’s festival, with schools showing a huge improvement in all elements of the game. Fancy footwork, precision passes and sensational side stepping were a common theme of the day. There were some very tight games, making the line to the semi final very thin. The final consisted of Little Heath against Harwood which was won deep into overtime with a golden try from Little Heath, earning the title of champions. James Coles, Saracens Sports Development Officer said, “It is fantastic to see so many schools getting involved in the programme. Competing in tournaments such as this really helps to teach about hard work, leadership and being a team player”. Manny Adolph, under 11’s coach at Welwyn RFC said, “We use opportunities like these as a fantastic recruitment day for our club and try to ensure that the children take away as much as they can and really want to come back and play rugby with us on Sunday mornings”. Saracens would like to thank the assistance from Welwyn RFC coaches, and the sport leaders from Monks Walk, Sir Fredric Osborne, and Stanborough Secondary Schools. » read full article
Eoin Sheriff signs new deal
February 24, 2012, 3:36 pm sourced from saracens.com
Eoin Sheriff has extended his contract with Saracens. Mark McCall, Director of Rugby, said: "Eoin is a young lock forward with loads of potential and an excellent attitude to the game; and we are very pleased he has agreed terms to continue to develop at Saracens." Eoin Sheriff said: "When I arrived from Ireland, I didn't really know what to expect. I had heard people say there is something special happening at Saracens, but I thought that was just PR speak by some guy in an office. Now I know it's the truth, and I am delighted to sign again." » read full article
Short signs new deal
February 24, 2012, 3:06 pm sourced from saracens.com
James Short has extended his contract at Saracens. Mark McCall, Director of Rugby, said: "James has made fantastic progress over the past couple of seasons to a point where he is widely admired across the Premiership. We believe he will continue to improve and are delighted he has agreed a new contract." James Short said: "Saracens provides an exceptional environment for a rugby player. The quality of coaching, the strength of the squad and the general mood are all.... well, special!" » read full article
Saints match now a 17h00 kick off
February 24, 2012, 1:36 pm sourced from saracens.com
The Aviva Premiership match between Saracens and Northampton Saints on Sunday March 4, will now kick off at 5pm, and not 3.30pm as planned. The later kick-off has been requested by Premiership Rugby to ensure the broadcast of the match live on ESPN does not clash with the rescheduled RBS 6 Nations match between France and Ireland. Saracens apologises for any inconvenience caused to supporters. » read full article
Wray signs contract extension
February 24, 2012, 1:36 pm sourced from saracens.com
Jackson Wray has extended his contract at Saracens. Mark McCall, Director of Rugby, said: "Jackson has the potential to become a top quality backrow forward, and he is fast realising that potential. We are very pleased to have agreed a new deal." Jackson Wray said: "As a young player, you want to be playing at a top club with a great environment. For me, Saracens is the place to be." » read full article
Kruis signs on for more
February 24, 2012, 12:06 pm sourced from saracens.com
George Kruis has extended his contract with Saracens. Mark McCall, Director of Rugby, said: “George is fast becoming an outstanding Premiership lock forward. He has been named as Man of the Match in our last two Premiership matches, and we are delighted he has committed his future to the club.” George Kruis said: “I am very happy at Saracens, and greatly appreciate the opportunity to play in such a special and positive environment.” » read full article
Stringer agrees deal with Falcons
February 23, 2012, 5:35 pm sourced from bbc.co.uk
Ireland international scrum-half Peter Stringer agrees to join Newcastle Falcons from Saracens. » read full article
Nieto extends his Saracens contract
February 23, 2012, 5:06 pm sourced from saracens.com
Carlos Nieto has extended his contract with Saracens. Mark McCall, Director of Rugby, said: “We recognise the importance of a strong front row, and – after announcing the contract extensions of Brits, Stevens, George, Gill and Du Plessis – we are delighted Carlos has agreed to stay for at least one more season. He is vastly experienced, hugely knowledgeable and he remains a formidable presence on the field.” Carlos Nieto said: “Saracens has become a true family; so long as I can keep giving to the family, I want to remain a member of the family.” » read full article
Du Plessis commits to Saracens
February 23, 2012, 4:06 pm sourced from saracens.com
Petrus du Plessis has extended his contract with Saracens. Mark McCall, Director of Rugby, said: “Petrus arrived at Saracens from Nottingham in the closing months of the 2009/10 season, instantly strengthening our scrum, and he has been more than holding his own in the front row ever since. We are delighted he has extended his contract at the club.” Petrus du Plessis said: “Saracens gave me the chance to realise my potential, and I never want to play anywhere else.” » read full article
Rhys Gill extends Saracens stay
February 23, 2012, 3:06 pm sourced from saracens.com
Rhys Gill has extended his contract with Saracens. Mark McCall, Director of Rugby, said: “Rhys has earned a reputation as one of the most effective loosehead props in the Premiership, and he has richly deserved his recent inclusion in the Wales squad for the Six Nations. Rhys, Steph and the children are an important part of the Saracens family, and we’re happy he has extended his contract.” Rhys Gill said: “Saracens were the club that showed faith in me three years ago, and it follows naturally that I show faith in the club now.” » read full article
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