Saracens statement: 'Character' Barrington is leaving for France
Saracens have confirmed that Richard Barrington, their long-serving loosehead, will leave at the end of the 2021/22 Gallagher Premiership season and will head to France to link up with Agen the Pro D2.
A Saracens statement on the departure of Barrington read: “The loosehead, who has made 220 appearances for the Men in Black in his nine-year spell in North London has been a huge part of the success both domestically and on the European front.
“The 31-year-old played in all four of the successful Premiership finals at Twickenham, and also won three European Cups to add to his incredible record at Saracens.
“His character has played a huge part both on and off the pitch, and his victory songs in the changing room have become legendary, being viewed all around the world. He will head to France next season to join Agen in an exciting move for the front-rower.”
Barrington said: “I have loved every minute of my time here and have made life-long memories with some amazing people. Both on and off the pitch it has been a true honour to be in the company of everyone here, and I’m looking forward to making it a successful end to the season.”
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall added: “Richard embodies everything that is good about Saracens and perhaps about the game itself. More than his rugby, which has been of the highest quality at some of the club’s biggest moments, he is a character. His infectious personality and love for people have been central to the ethos of the club.
“He is an original. Our club - and the game - is better for having people like him. We want to thank him for all he has done for Saracens and wish him all the best for his new adventure in France.”
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Can we also show some love for Tane Edmed’s fantastic draw and pass? Put his body on the line and committed the defender before letting go of that pass. Flawless skill.
Go to commentsYou forget this is Rassie Erasmus who is still holding the Springbok keys. Even with Felix Jones orchestrating a really tight RWC SF last year. It still wasn't enough to get England past their particular Springbok Monkey in world cups. The reason is FJ was going off of what they did in 2019 not necessarily adapting to current Springboks. So yes, Australia can get passed England because let's be honest, England have a one track strategy, Springboks do not. Even with rush defense I wouldn't be surprised if Rassie continually tweaks it. Also bear in mind Rassie is happy to sacrifice a few mid year and inter World Cup matches to pin point how opposition plays and how to again tweak strategies to get his Springboks in peak performance for the next World Cup. As much as most teams like to win games in front of them and try to win everything, Rassie always makes sure to learn and train for the greatest showdown International Rugby has to offer. Tbh, most people remember World Cup wins and ignore intermediate losses as a result but will remember also WC losses, Ireland, even if they won games in the interim. So even if games are won against the Springboks, it's likely Rassie is just getting a feel for how opposition is moving and adapt accordingly…in time. For Rassie, a loss is never a loss because he uses it as a chance to learn and improve. Sometimes during a game, again like the England match in last year's Semi Final.
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