STATEMENT: Saracens confirm two retirements as era comes to an end
Rugby NewsThursday, 11 April 2024 at 14:05
Saracens wing Alex Lewington has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
The winger, who has become one of the top try-scorers in Gallagher Premiership history will hang up his boots after a sparkling career that has spanned 15 years at the highest level.
Since 2018, Lewington has put on the Red and Black shirt on 130 occasions, and has scored 45 tries in that time, showing his remarkable try-scoring ability. His 62 tries in the top flight make him the 12th top try scorer in the history of the Premiership.
He has enjoyed plenty of silverware as well at StoneX Stadium, being involved in three Premiership winning campaigns, a European Cup in 2019 and the Championship promotion campaign in 2021.
“All good things must come to an end!" he said
"I’ve decided to retire from professional rugby at the end of the current season. I can’t express what the sport has given me; friendships, purpose, happiness and the chance to live my dream.
"I’ve had the privilege of playing with some amazing players and meeting some brilliant people. There’s been so many amazing days on the pitch but I’ve also loved every second of everything that comes with it.
"With that being said, there’s plenty of rugby to be played over the remainder of this season and I’m looking forward to ripping in with this special Saracens group.”
Sonia Green retires:
After an incredible career that has spanned over 20 years, in excess of 300 club appearances and taken Green from Bramley Road to StoneX Stadium and right around the world, the incredibly popular forward will bring the curtain down on her storied career following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.
Green has tasted significant success throughout her career, winning multiple league and cup titles across over 300 first team appearances for the club, as well as captaining England 7s and representing England A.
Combining her playing career with her role as Vice Principal at Saracens High School in recent years, Sonic has been and will continue to be an integral part of the fabric of the Saracens family.
Reflecting on her incredible career with Saracens, Green explained that she is hanging up her boots with memories and friends that will last a lifetime.
"After 22 incredible years with Saracens, I am hanging up my boots with a heart full of gratitude and memories that will last a lifetime. The camaraderie, the battles, and the victories have all shaped me into the person I am today. As I step off the field, I carry with me the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the legacy of a proud Saracen.
"Thank you to my teammates, coaches and everyone behind the scenes for an extraordinary journey. Retirement may mark the end of my playing days, but it opens the door to new adventures and opportunities. I am excited to embrace the next chapter in my life as well as focusing on my role of Vice Principal at Saracens High, driving the school forward and continuing to contribute to the club that has given me so much. Once a Saracen, always a Saracen."
“New era beginning” – Saracens confirms FIVE new signings for next season
Saracens, a dominant force in the Premiership, have been actively bolstering their squad following the announcement of their esteemed captain Owen Farrell's departure to Racing 92 this summer.
The team has already secured the services of five new players, spanning from promising young talents to seasoned internationals.
#1. Louis Johnson
The fly-half, who can also play at full-back graduated from the Falcons academy, and at just 20 years of age he has already featured in the Gallagher Premiership for Newcastle.
Johnson made his debut for the Falcons in March 2022, and that season kicked a winning conversion in the final play of the match against Leicester Tigers to show his nerve.
He has represented England at Under 20s level, and started the World Championship semi-final against France last year.
The number 10 is excited to be making the move to the capital.
“I’m incredibly excited and grateful to be joining such a prestigious club. Saracens is full of world class players and coaches and I can’t wait to learn from them.”
#2. Sam Spink
The centre, who was formerly at Wasps has had an enormous impact in Super Rugby since moving to the Perth based side, and was named the Western Force Players’ Player of the Year in his debut season, scoring three tries in 12 appearances.
The 24-year-old had a nine year spell at Wasps before making the move to Australia, and he was central to their midfield in both the league and in European competitions.
Weighing 103kg he will add plenty of size and ball-carrying ability to the Sarries backline, and will be competing with the likes of Nick Tompkins, Alex Lozowski and Olly Hartley for a starting shirt.
Having formerly represented England at Under 18 and Under 20 Level, his move back to the Gallagher Premiership will also look to get him back in to the international equation with his performance in North London.
#3. Phil Brantingham
The loosehead prop, who is one of the most exciting prospects in the Gallagher Premiership has been outstanding since bursting on to the scene at Newcastle and will make the move to StoneX Stadium in the summer.
At just 22 years old he has already become a regular in the top flight, and has also represented England at Under 20 Level to show his huge potential.
Growing up he played both Rugby Union and Rugby League, explaining his ability both in the set-piece and also around the pitch.
Having already captained Newcastle in a pre-season game he has clear leadership ability, and adding 117kg of weight in to the scrum will give fans plenty of reason for optimism.
The front-rower is looking forward to a new challenge in North London.
“I’m really excited to be joining such a huge club at an exciting time in their journey. I can’t wait to rip in and build on the success of Saracens.”
#4. Rhys Carre
The Wales international, who previously featured for the Men in Black during the 2019/20 season will head back across the Severn Bridge in the summer for another stint at StoneX Stadium.
The 26-year-old, who has 20 caps for his country is an experienced loosehead who will add further quality to the front-row with his scrummaging prowess at the forefront.
Carre, who stands at 6ft 3” and weighs 130kg will bring plenty of size and power to North London, has already played at the top level for Sarries with previous assignments including taking on Racing 92 at La Defense Arena in the Investec Champions Cup, and regular appearances in the Gallagher Premiership.
The Welshman has made over 50 appearances for Cardiff and is another exciting arrival as the squad for next season continues to take shape.
Carre is looking forward to another opportunity in North London.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to pick up where I left off four years ago and to be a part of a squad with big expectations going forward!”
#5. Fergus Burke
The fly-half, who is English qualified has been a part of Crusader's success in Super Rugby over the last few years will make the move to StoneX Stadium this summer in an exciting move for the club.
The 24-year-old has made 33 appearances for the Christchurch based outfit since making his debut in 2020, and was involved in their seventh consecutive title, scoring in the semi-final win over the Blues, and then coming off the bench in the final against the Chiefs.
After graduating from the hailed Crusaders Academy he featured for Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup, and a key part of his development also included featuring for New Zealand Under 20’s in the World Championship in Argentina.
The 6ft 2” back will look to have a big impact at StoneX as he takes on the keys to number 10 in NW4.
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
Loading
