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CLUBS UPDATE, 12th July 2005

Transfer News

Saracens have completed the signing of Irish International Shane Byrne

Following the completion and return of the necessary paperwork, the club can now confirm that the British Lions hooker has signed a two-year deal with Saracens and will be a part of the club's Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup campaigns next season.

Saracens Head Coach Steve Diamond said: "Shane is a world class player. We've been looking to strengthen our forwards as we are now competing in Europe next season and he has a huge amount of experience in the Heineken Cup. Our coach Mike Ford has an excellent knowledge of the player from his time with Ireland and we are delighted that Shane has joined us. He's very good in the set piece and excellent in defence having proved himself at the highest level of the game."

Byrne, 33, made his International debut against Romania in 2001 and has since gone on to win 38 caps for Ireland and 3 for the Lions.


Saracens have also signed centre Billy O’Driscoll.

The 24-year-old joins the Saracens just weeks after passing his medicine degree at Imperial College in London.

Having previously played at National League outfit Henley while studying, the centre is renewing his association with Saracens Head Coach Steve Diamond. O’Driscoll first played under Diamond as a youngster in Manchester and after completing his studies, has just finished his first few days as a professional.

Diamond said: “Billy is a very talented, hard working and bright young man and we’re delighted that he is joining us to be a part of the squad. I’ve known him and his family for a number of years and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

O’Driscoll comes from a family with both rugby and medical backgrounds. His parents are both doctors while his father is John O’Driscoll, the former British Lion and his second cousin is Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll.

The London-born centre is also looking forward to the chance of playing at Vicarage Road. He said: “There’s a great atmosphere in the ground when it’s full as we saw for the game against Leicester last season. As a young player, to have the chance to play in front of a big crowd is fantastic, but I also know it gives the whole squad a lift and it will be great for as many of you as possible to sign up for season tickets and be part of it next season.”

He also added: “I’ve been very impressed with everything I have seen at Saracens and I will learn a lot from training alongside the likes of Hugh Vyvyan, Andy Farrell and Taine Randell to name but a few. I’ve already noticed a step up and I have a huge amount of hard work in front of me, but it’s something I’m really looking forward to.”


Team News

Saracens land Biarritz in Heineken Cup opener

Saracens have been handed a fantastic draw that will see French champions Biarritz visit Vicarage Road for the opening fixture of the 2005/06 Heineken Cup

The fixtures for Pool 4 of the competition were finalised recently and it’s a mouth watering start to the campaign.

Boasting the likes of French internationals Serge Betsen, Nicolas Brusque, Damien Traille and Dimitri Yachvili in their star-studded side, Biarritz ended last season on a high by beating Stade Francais to clinch the French Championship.

The precise dates and kick-off times have yet to be finalised but the game against Biarritz will take place on either 21/22/23 October at Vicarage Road.

“The game against Biarritz is a very exciting fixture and a great way to start our first Heineken Cup campaign for four years,” said Saracens Chief Executive Mark Sinderberry.

“All three pool games see us taking on some of the best teams in Europe and to begin with the French champions and a team with the Heineken Cup pedigree of Biarritz is a great way to start.

“With some of the best in Europe and the battles of the Premiership, it’s all set to be a fantastic season and with more and more people signing up to be part of it every day with a Season Ticket, we can look forward to some great matches and fantastic atmospheres at Vicarage Road next season.”

Saracens first away trip of the Heineken Cup campaign sees them travel to Italy to face Benetton Treviso on the weekend of 28/29/30 October. We then travel to Ulster on 9/10/11 December before the return match the following weekend. The final two group matches see Benetton Treviso visit Vicarage Road on 13/14/15 January before the final match of the group which sees the Men in Black travel to Biarritz on 20/21/22 January.

ERC will be meeting with its broadcast partners from England, France, Ireland and Italy to finalise television requirements and exact kick off dates and times. See www.saracens.com for the dates and times when they are confirmed.

Full European Cup fixture schedule

Weekend of 21/22/23 October - Saracens v Biarritz
W/e of 28/29/30 October - Benetton Treviso v Saracens
W/e of 9/10/11 December - Ulster v Saracens
W/e of 16/17/18 December - Saracens v Ulster
W/e of 13/14/15 January 06 - Saracens v Benetton Treviso
W/e of 20/21/22 January 06 - Biarritz v Saracens

Other News

Masterclass

This summer’s coaching courses have been selling quickly with the July course now sold out. There are still places available in August, but book now to avoid disappointment.

The likes of Richard Hill, Andy Farrell and Thomas Castaignede will be on hand to pass on their tips and knowledge after years at the top of the game. The week long courses will see young players from U7 – U16, benefit from intensive coaching focussing on their core skills such as advanced handling, defence, contact and decision making skills. Each age group will work on skills specific to the RFU guidelines.

All participants will learn from qualified coaches with members of the Saracens first team squad also involved on each day of the course to provide youngster with a real insight into the game. Each day runs from 9.00am – 4.00pm at the club in Hoe Lane, Hertford, and also includes a hot lunch daily. There will also be a chance to visit Vicarage Road stadium for a tour behind the scenes and a ‘Sarries Pack’ for each player.

Saracens Rugby Club has been running coaching courses for young players in the school holidays for the last 6 years with more than 1200 participants graduating the courses.

"The Saracens’ Masterclass gives young players a great opportunity to improve their rugby at an age when skill development and understanding of the game are vitally important."
Hugh Vyvyan (Saracens Captain)



Dates: Mon 22nd - Fri 26th August
Venue: Hertford RFC
Times: 9am-4pm each day
Cost: £170 (& £10 for RFU insurance)

The cost of the course is £170 (plus £10 for the compulsory RFU insurance). For more information call 01923 475231 or email masterclass@saracens.net.


The Golden Ticket - be in it to win it

Do you want to watch the squad train and have lunch with them at their new training ground, be presented with a full set of personalised Saracens kit, join the team in Biarritz for the Heineken Cup clash with the French Champions and enjoy VIP hospitality as England take on the 6 Nations Champions Wales at Twickenham?

These are just some of the prizes that are included in the Golden Ticket draw and they could all be yours if you secure your 2005/06 Saracens Season Ticket before Friday 29th July.

Prizes

1. VIP hospitality for two to England v Wales in the 2006 RBS 6 Nations
2. Trip for two to see Biarritz v Saracens in the Heineken Cup in France
3. Two places at Saracens’ End of Season Awards Dinner
4. Invitation to watch a Saracens training session and have lunch with the squad
5. A full set of personalised Saracens kit – just like the players!
6. Two places in the Royal Box for the London Double Header


Everyone who has signed up as a Saracens season ticket holder (new or renewal) by Friday 29th July will be entered into the draw to win this amazing prize. (Full paying adults only).

So not only do you get to secure your seat for the 14 Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup matches at Vicarage Road next season, you can also win the fantastic prizes.

And if you're already signed up, why not encourage your friends to do the same - who knows, they may take you to Biarritz with them if they win!

The lucky winner will be drawn at the end of August by Saracens new signing Andy Farrell and the winner will be notified by Friday 2nd September.

Season ticket prices start at just £160 for adults (£50 for juniors) and full details can be found by calling the Ticket Team on 01923 475222 (option 1)

Don't forget, to be in with a chance of winning this awesome prize in the Golden Ticket Draw, you must buy your season ticket by Friday 29th July 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any comments, additions, errors or omissions send an email