Saracens fans braced for ‘end of an era’ with five players set to be released in summer
Rugby NewsTuesday, 23 April 2024 at 07:42
SARACENS fans are preparing for the "end of an era" with five popular stars set to be released.
A number of Sarries players are out of contract at the end of the season, with decision-makers either opting not to renew them or the play themselves has decided to move on.
The club has enjoyed an unprecedented level of success in recent year's. Saracens have won 11 major trophies.
They have been crowned European champions three times, in 2016, 2017 and 2019. The club has also won the English Premiership six times, most recently in 2023, and the domestic cup twice, in 1998 and 2015.
The first headline departure is their current skipper Owen Farrell, who has signed a two-year deal with Top 14 side Racing 92. The fly-half said it was a “difficult decision” to step away from Saracens after 15 seasons, but the right one for his family.
Owen Farrell's move to France will make him one of the best rugby plauers in the world
Last year, former England captain Farrell announced he was taking a break from international rugby to prioritise his mental well-being. However, he could return to the test arena with the Lions in 2025.
That break will now be extended as he will be ineligible for selection by his country due to Rugby Football Union rules forbidding members of the national squad from playing abroad.
Famous brothers Billy and Mako Vunipola have also had their departures confirmed by Sarries boss Mark McCall with the duo both primed to sign with Montpellier.
BROTHERSEngland Under 18s, Mako Vunipola (Bristol Rugby & Millfield School) and England Under 18s, Billy Vunipola (Bristol Rugby & Castle School) - photo mandatory by-line: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile: 0797 1270 681 - 27/03/2009 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - England U18 training - Exeter, Devon
Another player heading to France is prop Christian Judge, who confirmed a move to Beziers last month. The tighthead prop, who has made 55 appearances for Sarries across two spells in North London will make the move to the South of France in the summer.
Judge has been offered an exciting opportunity to join the side who are currently second in Pro D2, and will add plenty of power to their set-piece moving forward.
Meanwhile, winger Alex Lewington has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old has scored 64 tries in 159 Premiership games over nine years with Saracens and London Irish.
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“New era beginning” – Saracens confirms FIVE new signings for next season
Saracens, a dominant force in the Premiership, have been actively bolstering their squad following the announcement of their esteemed captain Owen Farrell’s departure to Racing 92 this summer.
The team has already secured the services of five new players, spanning from promising young talents to seasoned internationals.
#1. Louis Johnson
The fly-half, who can also play at full-back graduated from the Falcons academy, and at just 20 years of age he has already featured in the Gallagher Premiership for Newcastle.
Johnson made his debut for the Falcons in March 2022, and that season kicked a winning conversion in the final play of the match against Leicester Tigers to show his nerve.
He has represented England at Under 20s level, and started the World Championship semi-final against France last year.
The number 10 is excited to be making the move to the capital.
“I’m incredibly excited and grateful to be joining such a prestigious club. Saracens is full of world class players and coaches and I can’t wait to learn from them.”
#2. Sam Spink
The centre, who was formerly at Wasps has had an enormous impact in Super Rugby since moving to the Perth based side, and was named the Western Force Players’ Player of the Year in his debut season, scoring three tries in 12 appearances.
The 24-year-old had a nine year spell at Wasps before making the move to Australia, and he was central to their midfield in both the league and in European competitions.
Weighing 103kg he will add plenty of size and ball-carrying ability to the Sarries backline, and will be competing with the likes of Nick Tompkins, Alex Lozowski and Olly Hartley for a starting shirt.
Having formerly represented England at Under 18 and Under 20 Level, his move back to the Gallagher Premiership will also look to get him back in to the international equation with his performance in North London.
#3. Phil Brantingham
The loosehead prop, who is one of the most exciting prospects in the Gallagher Premiership has been outstanding since bursting on to the scene at Newcastle and will make the move to StoneX Stadium in the summer.
At just 22 years old he has already become a regular in the top flight, and has also represented England at Under 20 Level to show his huge potential.
Growing up he played both Rugby Union and Rugby League, explaining his ability both in the set-piece and also around the pitch.
Having already captained Newcastle in a pre-season game he has clear leadership ability, and adding 117kg of weight in to the scrum will give fans plenty of reason for optimism.
The front-rower is looking forward to a new challenge in North London.
“I’m really excited to be joining such a huge club at an exciting time in their journey. I can’t wait to rip in and build on the success of Saracens.”
#4. Rhys Carre
The Wales international, who previously featured for the Men in Black during the 2019/20 season will head back across the Severn Bridge in the summer for another stint at StoneX Stadium.
The 26-year-old, who has 20 caps for his country is an experienced loosehead who will add further quality to the front-row with his scrummaging prowess at the forefront.
Carre, who stands at 6ft 3” and weighs 130kg will bring plenty of size and power to North London, has already played at the top level for Sarries with previous assignments including taking on Racing 92 at La Defense Arena in the Investec Champions Cup, and regular appearances in the Gallagher Premiership.
The Welshman has made over 50 appearances for Cardiff and is another exciting arrival as the squad for next season continues to take shape.
Carre is looking forward to another opportunity in North London.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to pick up where I left off four years ago and to be a part of a squad with big expectations going forward!”
#5. Fergus Burke
The fly-half, who is English qualified has been a part of Crusader's success in Super Rugby over the last few years will make the move to StoneX Stadium this summer in an exciting move for the club.
The 24-year-old has made 33 appearances for the Christchurch based outfit since making his debut in 2020, and was involved in their seventh consecutive title, scoring in the semi-final win over the Blues, and then coming off the bench in the final against the Chiefs.
After graduating from the hailed Crusaders Academy he featured for Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup, and a key part of his development also included featuring for New Zealand Under 20’s in the World Championship in Argentina.
The 6ft 2” back will look to have a big impact at StoneX as he takes on the keys to number 10 in NW4.
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