Saracens

Extra dimension: Wikus van Heerden

Club Details

Vicarage Road Stadium
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 OEP

Stadium Capacity: 22,000 (all seated)
Website: www.saracens.com
Founded: 1876

- 2008/9 Season Preview -

Skybet title odds - 10/1

Last time around: There were several glimpses of promising form from the 'Fez Heads' in 2007/08 with their Heineken Cup run the club's main highlight. However, a mid to late-season slump in domestic form saw Alan Gaffney's men slide down the domestic table. And it has cost them heavily with new coach Eddie Jones subsequently having to steer the outfit against Europe's second tier this year.

This time around: Yes, they will be competing in the European Challenge Cup but it may prove a blessing in disguise for their league charge! Pre-season has been their strongest yet and there's an air of optimism at Vicarage Road which is why we feel the time has finally come for the 'under performers' to perform!

Coach: Former Wallaby boss Eddie Jones takes over on a full-time basis this season and immediately installs the youth of Alex Sanderson, Paul Gustard and Cobus Visagie as helping hands. The former hooker also helped South Africa lift the Webb Ellis trophy last year to add to his ACT Brumbies success, which all makes up a more than impressive CV!

One to watch: The recruitment of flank Wikus van Heerden in place of now retired Richard Hill could add an extra dimension to Saracens this season. Fellow signings Ben Jacobs and Steve Borthwick will also improve matters at Vicarage Road as a blend of youth and experience could see them feature at the business end.

In: Steve Borthwick (Bath), Michael Owen (Dragons), Ben Jacobs (Waratahs), Wikus van Heerden (Bulls).

Out: Richard Hill (coaching), Paul Gustard (coaching), Alan Dickens (Northampton), Iain Fullarton (London Welsh), Kevin Yates (released).

PR prediction: 3rd