Russell among Saracens exodus

Saracens today announced a mass player clear-out with Scottish international hooker Robbie Russell among those leaving the Zurich Premiership strugglers.

The list also includes full-back prospect Adryan Winnan, rugby league recruit Nathan McAvoy and long-serving flanker Tony Roques.

And Saracens say there could be more exits, as discussions are on-going with other squad members.

The first batch of departures comprises Russell, Winnan, McAvoy, Roques, props Steven Sparks and Johnny Marsters, hookers James Parkes and Joe Ross, flanker Daniel Legge, scrum-half Dan Kirton and wing Denis Cech.

Lock Craig Yandell, meanwhile, has announced that he is to retire from professional rugby.

The exodus follows a major recruitment drive in recent weeks, with Saracens having already made six new signings – Dan Scarbrough, Hugh Vyvyan, Alex Sanderson, Iain Fullarton, Kevin Yates and Matt Cairns.

“It is always a difficult time at any club when you have players’ contracts up for renewal, or those who are being released from current contracts. We have players in both situations,” said Saracens head coach Rod Kafer.

“The reasoning behind such decisions are not always as obvious to our supporters as they may appear to the club.

“All the players have made contributions to the squad this season and have worked extremely hard.

“There are players who have been with the club over a number of years, and on behalf of the club I would like to wish them every success in the future.

“We always need to be in the business of looking forward. While it is regrettable that tough decisions like this hae to be made, it is part of the nature of professional sport.”

“We only get a limited chance to establish the squad for the following season, and we will continue to look forward as we move the club towards success.”