Alex Lewington signs for Saracens

Saracens have today confirmed the signing of 26-year-old winger Alex Lewington from London Irish, he will join at the start of the 2018/19 season.

The former Leicester Tigers man has enjoyed a breakout year for Irish and Saracens are excited to add him to their ranks ahead of next season’s campaign.

He represented England Saxons in South Africa during the summer of 2016 and has scored 24 tries in 63 matches for Irish since joining from Leicester in 2013.

Speaking exclusively to Saracens.com, Lewington said: “I’m looking forward to working with the squad and the world class talent that Saracens are lucky enough to have, I’m also looking forward to working with the coaching team, and how they can improve my game.”

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Lewington comes into the backline with a reputation as a clinical finisher and has scored six tries in this year’s Premiership already for the Exiles. He has also made 24 clean breaks, the second most in the league, showing his skills as an ambitious attacking player.

The Englishman comes into an environment that has enjoyed large amounts of success in recent years. He explained: “I’ve heard great things about the Saracens environment and I believe I will thrive within it – which should inspire me to push on and improve my game over the next couple of years.”

Lewington has shown loyalty to Irish since joining as a 21-year-old in 2013 and thanked the Reading-based club for their support shown to him since then. He won the Championship with Irish last season as they made their way back into the Aviva Premiership.

Speaking of his time with London Irish, he said: “I will of course miss London Irish. I’m eternally grateful as they gave me the chance to play Premiership rugby.”

“I will miss my friends there,” he added, “But I’m looking forward to building new relationships at Saracens”.

London Irish director of rugby Nick Kennedy said: “Alex joined us from Leicester in 2013, having been on loan at Nottingham and his game has significantly improved during his time here.

“He came back from a serious injury last year and his nine tries in 10 appearances during the season run-in helped us win the Championship and gain promotion back to the Aviva Premiership.

“We would like to thank Alex for his service and we wish him well for the future.”