Sarries best represented club in Lions squad

Six Saracens players have been included in the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, the largest club representation of the 2017 tour.

Previous Lions tourists Owen Farrell and Mako Vunipola will be joined by their Saracens and England team-mates Jamie George, George Kruis, Maro Itoje and Billy Vunipola in the squad to face the reigning world champions later this summer.

The tour begins on 3 June and features a 10-game schedule, culminating in a three-Test series against the All Blacks.

The Lions will be looking for a second series win in New Zealand, with their only triumph to date a 2-1 victory in 1971.

“We’re honoured to have six of our players included in the squad,” said Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall.

“Every player included is under the age of 27 which is extremely exciting for Saracens and for England, and I’m extremely confident they’ll thrive in the red jersey in New Zealand.

“Four of the players have come through the age-group system at the Club and both Vunipola’s arrived at Saracens under the age of 21, so their selection is the culmination of a lot of hard work from the players themselves, our coaching staff and support team.

“All six of players still have a huge role to play in some massive games for Saracens in the upcoming weeks, I know that they’ll be raring to go in club colours before they jet off Down Under.

“I’m sure I share every Saracens fan’s sentiment by wishing them the best of luck in the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour.”