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Saracens confirm replacement fixtures against non-English teams
By Liam Heagney
Saracens have confirmed replacement fixtures against non-English teams after their Gallagher Premiership home games with Wasps and Worcester were scuppered when both clubs fell into administration in recent weeks. The RFU suspension of the two top-flight clubs and their automatic relegation to the 2023/24 Championship has resulted in a fixtures scramble by clubs to fill the sudden holes left in their 2022/23 calendar.
Games against the Barbarians have proven to be a popular filler this month for the likes of Harlequins, Bath and Northampton, but Saracens have looked further afield and they will fill the vacancy caused by their cancelled November 27 Premiership game with Wasps by taking on Tel Aviv Heat, the Israel club taking part in the Rugby Europe Super Cup.
That match will be part of a doubleheader in which the Saracens women’s team will take on their Wasps counterparts. Meanwhile, the gap in the schedule created by the cancelled men’s fixture versus Worcester will be filled by the March 10 game against Scarlets, the Welsh-based URC franchise.
A letter from Saracens CEO Lucy Wray to supporters about the cancelled Premiership games read: “Good people losing their jobs at Worcester and Wasps has been awful to see. Not that we ever forget this, but it is a massive reminder of the responsibility we have at Saracens to look after and genuinely care for our people.
“It is also a reminder of the massive part a rugby club can play in people’s lives, whether they are a supporter, an employee or part of the wider community. A fan’s dedication and loyalty to their club should never be underestimated or disrespected because it is incredible.
“I have been humbled by it on so many occasions. I can’t say it enough but to all you Sarries fans… thank you. We are acutely aware that our seasonal members are losing our home fixtures against both Wasps and Worcester. We have been working hard to fill this void in a meaningful way, whilst also giving you certainty and above all making sure we are delivering value and we hope that you share in our excitement for the below offering in lieu of our cancelled games versus Wasps and Worcester.
“On behalf of everyone at Saracens, we thank you for your ongoing patience and support and we look forward to seeing you all at StoneX Stadium soon.”
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Latest Comments
I think the best 15 we have is DMac. Jordan at 14.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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