"He's Won It All" Saracens Confirm 15-Year Club Legend's Retirement
Rugby NewsFriday, 28 April 2023 at 16:14
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.
Jackson Wray, Captain of Saracens during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Saracens at Ashton Gate on 17 Sep. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Wray spoke on the topic of his retirement, to the official Saracens club website. “After 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 couldn’t 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.
Dejection for Jackson Wray, Captain of Saracens after losing to Pirates during the Greene King IPA Championship match between Cornish Pirates and Saracens at Mennaye Field, Penzance on March 6. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
"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. I’ll 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.”
Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall says Wray’s influence is like no other. He discussed the one club man's retirement, and thanked him for his contributions to the club.
“Jackson 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.
Jackson Wray, Captain of Saracens breaks through the tackle of Val Rapava-Ruskin of Gloucester Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Gloucester Rugby and Saracens at Kingsholm Stadium on June 4 2022 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
Jacko has not only been at the heart of the club’s 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.”
“Leicester forward arrives” – 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.
“I can’t 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.”
#2. Tom Parton from London Irish
The full-back, who came through the academy at the Exiles has been a key part of their back-line in recent years, making over 50 appearances for the Brentford based side.
The 24-year-old was rewarded for his consistent performances with a place in the England training squad in the summer ahead of their tour to Australia, and he will add plenty of pace to the back-three department at Saracens.
Parton is looking forward to making the move to StoneX Stadium.
“I’m really excited for this new challenge. To be joining a club like Saracens is an honour and privilege. To learn off the best players in the world is an opportunity I can’t wait to get stuck into, and I look forward to playing in front of such a great fan base.”
#3. Tom Willis from Bordeaux
The 23-year-old, who has been playing for Bordeaux after leaving Wasps is one of the finest back-row prospects in the country and is an exciting addition to the Men in Black.
Willis, who is the younger brother of England international Jack made his Premiership debut back in 2017, and went on to make over 50 appearances for Wasps.
The former England Under 20’s captain will spend the remainder of the season in the Top 14, and then make the move back to the Gallagher Premiership in the summer on a long-term deal.
Willis is looking forward to making the move to StoneX Stadium.
"I’m incredibly excited to be joining Saracens, It is a great club with a fantastic playing and coaching group and I’m looking forward to being a part of it next season.”
#4. Nicky Smith from Ospreys
According to The Rugby Paper, the Wales loosehead has been in discussions with Saracens regarding a possible move to the Premiership once his contract with the Ospreys expires at the end of the season.
Despite spending his entire career with his hometown club, Smith is considering various options, including signing a new contract to remain in southern Wales.
Multiple Premiership teams, including Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, Northampton, and Saracens, have expressed interest in the 29-year-old.
#5. Tom West from Leicester Tigers
Saracens, who are currently leading the Premiership, have secured the signing of Tom West from Leicester Tigers for the next season.
The 27-year-old loose-head prop has already made nine appearances in all competitions for the Tigers since joining them in January. West previously played for Wasps, where he spent over a decade, having come through the club's academy before making his league debut in 2018.
He was also part of the England team that won the World Under-20 Championship in 2016. West started in Wasps' Premiership final loss to Exeter Chiefs in 2020.
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