Following a season of highs and lows, Saracens enter the 2024-25 Premiership campaign with something to prove.
The loss of several senior players, including stalwarts like Owen Farrell, Mako Vunipola, and Billy Vunipola marks the end of an era for the North London club after over a decade of dominance in the domestic and European competitions.
But under the stewardship of Mark McCall, don't expect Sarries 2.0 to accept mediocrity. With a mix of seasoned internationals such as new club captain Maro Itoje, England captain Jamie George, and star Back Rower Ben Earl, alongside an exciting crop of emerging talent, the North London club is poised to challenge for top honours once again. Whether they can replicate the success of previous years remains to be seen, but what’s clear is that Saracens have the resilience and depth to remain at the forefront of English rugby.
Key Players
Ben Earl, quickly becoming an indispensable player for both club and country, will be central to Saracens’ ambitions this year. The dynamic back-rower has become one of the most influential players in the Premiership, known for his relentless work rate, ball-carrying ability, and breakdown dominance. Earl's leadership on and off the field will also be crucial as the North London club look to maintain the high standards that have become synonymous with any Saracens team.
Another critical figure for Saracens is new club captain, Maro Itoje. As a Junior World Cup winning captain, LV Cup winning captain and core leader for Saracens, England and the British and Irish Lions for many years, Itoje has all the experience needed to fill the very large shoes of former captain Owen Farrell. The towering lock, renowned for his athleticism and defensive prowess, will anchor the Saracens pack and drive high standards not only through his words, but actions too.
Standing by Itoje's side as a fellow leader in Saracens' rebuild will be veteran hooker and England captain Jamie George. At the club since age 14, George is Saracens through-in, through-out. While the 33-year-old is no longer the attacking threat he was when he emerged on the scene, he is still a world-class hooker with near-faultless lineout throwing, a high work rate and the ability to distribute at the gain line at a better quality than even some backs.
The best man at George's wedding, Elliot Daly, will also have to take on more responsibilities this season as Saracens look to build a post-Farrell attack. Whether at full back, outside centre or on the wing, Daly brings world-class distribution skills, an eye for a gap and a cannon of a left boot both off the tee and in open play. If the Joe Shaw and Kevin Sorrell-led Saracens attack is to flourish as it has done for many years, Daly will be at the core of driving its success.
Impact Signings
The arrival of New Zealander Fly Half Fergus Burke is the most eye-catching signing from Mark McCall and Head of Recruitment Nick Kennedy. The Saracens coaching staff admit that Farrell's departure came as a shock to even them, so Burke was not a plan long in the making for the North Londoners. But as a replacement for Farrell goes, Saracens fans will be excited by the prospect of Burke. The young fly-half is known for his tactical awareness, kicking accuracy, and ability to manage games under pressure. Yes, Burke will have big shoes to fill, but as a highly-rated Fly Half known to be strongly admired by All Blacks Head Coach Scott 'Razer' Robertson, it looks like Saracens have found a gem to replace their former Captain, Farrell.
Perhaps as important for Saracens are the signings of front-row trio Rhys Carré, Fraser Balmain and Phil Brantingham to rebuild their under-performing scrum. Forwards coach Ian Peel and newly appointed Assistant Forwards Coach Rob Webber will be looking forward to working with three props known for their scrummaging prowess and ball carrying ability. They have big shoes to fill with club legend Mako Vunipola and Champions Cup-winning prop Christian Judge leaving to France, and Tom West leaving for Premiership Champions, Northampton Saints.
Potential Weakness
Saracens face a few notable challenges this season, particularly in their set-piece. Last season, they had the worst scrum in the Premiership, a weakness that cost them many results last season. Improving their scrum stability and effectiveness will be essential if Saracens are to compete at the top end of the table. Additionally, the loss of experienced players like Captain Farrell, the Vunipola brothers, and wingers Sean Maitland and Alex Lewington leaves a void in leadership and experience that the younger players will need to fill. How Saracens manage these transitions will likely determine their success this season.
One to Watch
Tobias Elliott is a rising star in the Saracens ranks and one to keep an eye on this season. The 20-year-old, who is able to play across the Back Three, Inside Centre and even Fly Half, has already shown flashes of brilliance with his speed, agility, and finishing ability. With the North Londoners not signing direct replacements for Maitland and Lewington, we expect they will be backing Elliott to grow into a potential starting player this season. With experienced backs like Elliot Daly and Alex Goode to learn from, the has the perfect environment to hone his skills and make a significant impact.
The RIL Take
Saracens head into the 2024-25 season with a blend of optimism and uncertainty. Mark McCall’s ability to integrate new talent while maintaining the high standards expected at the club will be crucial. The departure of key players presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Saracens to evolve their playing style and leadership group.
If anyone expects Sarries' experienced group of core internationals to go out without a fight, they will be sorely mistaken. Itoje, George, Earl, Daly and Goode will be looking to kick-start a successful next era at the North London club before handing over to the impressive group of young players already making waves, such as Theo Dan (23), Tom Willis (25), Juan-Martin Gonzalez (23) and Olly Hartley (22).
Saracens undoubtedly have a bright future ahead. The question that the StoneX fans will be pondering this season is whether they can fix their scrum issues and successfully deal with the loss of many iconic leaders. If they can, they will be a force to be reckoned with. If not, they will have a tough season ahead.
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