Reflective Mark McCall looks back on an era as Saracens bow out of Europe

Director of rugby Mark McCall admits it is an end of era at Saracens (Richard Sellers/PA)

Saracens boss Mark McCall accepted it was the end of an era at the London club following their elimination from the Heineken Champions Cup.

The reigning champions suffered a 19-15 semi-final defeat to Racing 92 in Paris as Juan Imhoff’s late converted try proved decisive.

Sarries were condemned to relegation from the Gallagher Premiership in January for breaching salary cap regulations.

What an ending 😱

A searing score from @racing92 late on sees them come from behind to secure the first spot in the #HeinekenChampionsCup Final 💪

We had to wait a while but the finish was worth it 🤩#RACvSAR pic.twitter.com/WTLGjmnFFY

— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) September 26, 2020

They have two Premiership fixtures to fulfil – away to Worcester on Wednesday and at home to Bath next Sunday – before starting life in the Championship.

“In many ways it is the end of an era,” said director of rugby McCall. “But we showed all the qualities and characteristics we need on a new journey.

“This has been an incredible period for us in the last five seasons.

“This was our 23rd knock-out game in either Europe or the Premiership and we’ve won 19 of those games, which is an incredible record.

This group has had a lot of ups and downs this season but have constantly fought and battled for each other and everyone involved with Saracens - fans, staff, teammates.

An inspirational group who have given everything to the badge.#TogetherSaracens ⚫️🔴 pic.twitter.com/C2jBOWqtft

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) September 26, 2020

“We put our heart and soul into that game and we can be proud of the players. They are a special group.”

Captain Brad Barritt was forced off in the last quarter with a head injury as Saracens led 15-9 and on course for a fourth final in five seasons after triumphs in 2016, 2017 and 2019.

It remains to be seen whether Barritt, who joined Saracens in 2008, has played his last game for the club.

But both he and long-serving scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth are leaving Allianz Park at the end of the season.

Long-serving skipper Brad Barritt might have played his last game for Saracens (Steven Paston/PA)

McCall said: “This result is irrelevant around the legacy that Brad and Richard leave at the club. That was established a long time ago.

“They are two absolute legends who have contributed so much on and off the field.

“We play Bath in our final game next Sunday and we will spend the tail end of the week reflecting on their contributions and time at our club, and give them the send-off internally that they deserve.”

Although the likes of England stars Maro Itoje and Owen Farrell have committed to spending next season in the Championship, the days of European games for Saracens are over for now.

England’s Maro Itoje has committed his future to Saracens (Adam Davy/PA)

England hooker Jamie George summed up the uncertainty around the club, saying: “The element of the unknown is pretty horrendous.

“The way we saw it was that it was our last chance to compete for a little while.

“We wanted to finish it off and I’m gutted, I’m not going to lie. But at the same time I’m also incredibly proud.

“A lot of people have talked rubbish about us for a long time. But if you look at the squad here probably our best player was Dom Morris, and if you’re telling me we’re breaking the salary cap that’s an interesting one.

The element of the unknown is pretty horrendous.

Saracens hooker Jamie George

“I don’t know what we’re going to be facing, but the young players coming through are hugely motivated and that is the exciting thing for me.

“This defeat is a tough one to take because we had control of the game.

“We felt comfortable defensively, but a bit of magic from Finn (Russell) and they got that try at the end.”