SARACENS fans are preparing for the “end of an era” with five popular stars set to be released.
A number of Sarries players are out of contract at the end of the season, with decision-makers either opting not to renew them or the play themselves has decided to move on.
The club has enjoyed an unprecedented level of success in recent year’s. Saracens have won 11 major trophies.
They have been crowned European champions three times, in 2016, 2017 and 2019. The club has also won the English Premiership six times, most recently in 2023, and the domestic cup twice, in 1998 and 2015.
The first headline departure is their current skipper Owen Farrell, who has signed a two-year deal with Top 14 side Racing 92. The fly-half said it was a “difficult decision” to step away from Saracens after 15 seasons, but the right one for his family.
Last year, former England captain Farrell announced he was taking a break from international rugby to prioritise his mental well-being. However, he could return to the test arena with the Lions in 2025.
That break will now be extended as he will be ineligible for selection by his country due to Rugby Football Union rules forbidding members of the national squad from playing abroad.
Famous brothers Billy and Mako Vunipola have also had their departures confirmed by Sarries boss Mark McCall with the duo both primed to sign with Montpellier.
Another player heading to France is prop Christian Judge, who confirmed a move to Beziers last month. The tighthead prop, who has made 55 appearances for Sarries across two spells in North London will make the move to the South of France in the summer.
Judge has been offered an exciting opportunity to join the side who are currently second in Pro D2, and will add plenty of power to their set-piece moving forward.
Meanwhile, winger Alex Lewington has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old has scored 64 tries in 159 Premiership games over nine years with Saracens and London Irish.
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“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.”