Saracens fans are suddenly feeling happier about next season

Jamie George became the first Saracens player to say that he will remain with his club next season despite their relegation to the Championship, and he has been followed by Elliot Daly. 

The futures of many Saracens players have been cast into doubt ever since their automatic relegation from the Gallagher Premiership was confirmed in January due to salary cap breaches. 

With a host of Test players in their squad, there is a danger that this could jeopardise their chances of playing for their country. 

The Rugby Football Union have made it clear that England players are available to be selected if they are playing in the Championship, which is encouraging for those hoping Saracens retain their players.

George has been the first to commit and Daly has suggested he will do the same. Having come through Saracens’ academy, George has stuck by the club that have developed him as a player and he has been praised for his loyalty. 

Many Saracens players will be preoccupied with the Six Nations, so may not focus on finalising their club futures until after the internationals, but George and Daly have provided promising signs for supporters. 

Maro Itoje, Owen Farrell and George Kruis are just some of the current England team that have come through the ranks at Saracens and might stay, although Kruis has been linked to a move to Japan. 

This may actually provide a sabbatical year for many players where their workload is reduced. 

Come July 2021, British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland may be the most grateful if players remain with the London club as it means many members of his likely squad to take on South Africa will be more refreshed than those playing in the Gallagher Premiership and the Guinness PRO14. 

Whether the likes of Scotland’s Sean Maitland and Wales’ Rhys Carre and Nick Tompkins will remain next season is unclear, as the Scottish Rugby Union and the Welsh Rugby Union may not be keen on the idea of their players competing in the Championship. 

But many Saracens supporters are hoping that George and Daly have started a trend that their team-mates will now follow as the season goes on. 

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