Saracens confirm venue switch

Saracens will play their final Guinness Premiership season fixture against Bristol at stadiummk in Milton Keynes because of a clash with Watford FC at Vicarage Road.

Saracens will play their final Guinness Premiership season fixture against Bristol at stadiummk in Milton Keynes because of a clash with Watford FC at Vicarage Road.

The problem occurs with Watford having to play their Championship play-off match on home turf on Sunday May 11, with the ground hire agreement stipulating that the Heineken Cup semi-finalists cannot kick-off within 24 hours of a Watford match.

Saracens Chief Executive Mark Sinderberry understands that the move is not ideal, particularly for veteran Richard Hill's club swansong, but is delighted with the 22,000 capacity venue for the club's finale.

“While it would have been nice for Richard Hill to finish off his Saracens career at Vicarage Road, after starting it so many years ago at Bramley Road, that won't be possible now,” said Sinderberry.

“We've been planning for this scenario for some time and moving the fixture to Milton Keynes does give us the chance to play at what I believe is one of the best stadiums of its size in the country.

“Last weekend our supporters got to see a great venue in Coventry, and now we get the opportunity to be the first team to play rugby at this impressive ground.”

“We know we have a number of Season Ticket holders who live in the Milton Keynes area and this is a great opportunity to spread the Saracens name and really finish off the season on a high at a fantastic venue.”