Saracens have confirmed that club legend Jackson Wray will retire at the end of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season.
The back-rower has had a decorated career with the London club, and walks away after an incredible 15 years as a Saracen.
Wray has been apart of Sarries since the age of 15, and came threw the club’s academy in the iconic ‘Class of 2008’. Wray graduated with England mainstays Owen Farrell and Jamie George, along with Saracens alumnus George Kruis and Will Fraser. The 32-year-old became the fifth Saracen to make over 300 appearances for the club, has an incredible collection of winners medals.
In total, Wray has won the Premiership five times, the Heineken Champions Cup three times, and also has a winners medal from the 2014 Anglo-Welsh Cup, and 2021 RFU Championship. Wray is one of the most accomplished players in the history of Saracens, and will be sorely missed ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Wray spoke on the topic of his retirement, to the official Saracens club website. โAfter 15 years at this fantastic club, it is the right time for me to retire from rugby and pursue interests that I have been building towards during my career.
“There are of course far too many people to thank, so to everyone at the club over my time here, players, coaches, supporters, and in particular Nigel Wray who laid the foundations for what has been the best time of my life, thank you.
“To my family, my wife Leanne, my parents and my amazing children, I couldnโt have done this without you and I will be forever grateful for your support. The memories I have made, whether it be on or off the pitch will live with me forever. It would be difficult to single out any particular moments but of course the trophies that we won and the off-field times with all the players over the years will always be near the top of the list.
“To run out at StoneX Stadium so many times has been a true honour and I would like to say to the supporters, you truly are the best and the commitment you have shown is absolutely incredible. Iโll still be a familiar face on match days cheering on the boys so I look forward to seeing you all for many more years to come.โ
Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall says Wrayโs influence is like no other. He discussed the one club man’s retirement, and thanked him for his contributions to the club.
โJackson embodies everything that is good about Saracens – hard working, tough, resilient, consistent and team first always. He has had an extraordinary impact and influence on our club and is hugely respected and admired by all players and staff, past and present.
Jacko has not only been at the heart of the clubโs biggest moments but has also led the way in many international windows and our younger players have benefitted hugely from his experience and his example in these periods.
We want to thank him for all he has done for our club and wish him, Leanne, Harper, Colby, Blake and Hudson all the very best for what comes next.โ
โLeicester forward arrivesโ โ Saracens confirm five signings for next season
Details of the five signings made by Saracens are outlined below.
#1. Gareth Simpson from Western Force
The scrum-half, who had a brief spell on loan in November will return in the summer on a two-year deal after impressing during his time at StoneX Stadium.
His try against Northampton Saints was the catalyst for the remarkable comeback victory, and before joining Sarries the 25-year-old made 45 appearances for Worcester Warriors during his spell at Sixways meaning he has plenty of Gallagher Premiership experience.
He is currently in Australia on loan at the Western Force for the remainder of the 22/23 campaign and will then return to North London in the summer.
Simpson is excited to have committed his future to the club.
โI canโt wait to get back into the environment at Saracens. It is a great club and I really enjoyed my time there. I am looking forward to continuing to learn and grow my game with some amazing players and coaches around me and am really grateful for the opportunity.โ