Saracens captain Brad Barritt to leave the club after 12 years

Saracens captain and centre Brad Barritt has signed a contract extension with the club that will see he remain with the side until the end of the 2019/20 season which will be the former England centre's last season at the club.

The 33-year-old will be available for the rest of the Premiership campaign and the Champions Cup quarter-final as he bids to finish his illustrious Sarries career on a high.

Barritt started his career at the Sharks in Durban in 2006 and helped the side reach the 2007 Super Rugby final. He made 36 Super Rugby appearances for the side before heading to North London in late 2008.

Barritt has quite simply played an incredible part in the club’s journey over the past 12 years. A cornerstone of the Saracens defence for so long, the longevity and consistency of his performances – all 257 of them so far – can only be admired.

He was there at the very beginning of this incredible period in the club’s history, from the victory over South Africa in 2009, to a first Premiership final in 2010 and a debut Premiership title the year after.

The centre has been there for all of the club’s five Premiership and three Europeans successes and as captain has lead the team to the last two of each since taking on the role in 2016.

🗣 @Saracens has been my home & family for 12 years.
All good things, have to come to an end. As I’ve decided that the 19/20 season, will be my last as a Saracen. However, I’m delighted to have extended my stay to defend our @ChampionsCup title & finish the @premrugby season. pic.twitter.com/6psyHfdz7n

— Brad Barritt (@bradbarritt) June 29, 2020

And having now ensured the chance to complete one final chapter as a Saracen, Barritt insists he is delighted to have the opportunity to sign off in a positive way.

“I’m excited and delighted to announce that I’ve signed a contract extension until the end of the 2019/20 season,” said Barritt.

“But I’m also sadly going to announce that this will be my last season with Saracens. I have had an incredible stay here of 12 years.

“There have been so many memories, so many experiences, but sadly all good things must come to an end.

“I’m immensely excited to finish off the season. To still have the Champions Cup as a goal and focus point for us is immensely exciting.

“I also want to hopefully sign off on a positive note and enjoy these last few months as a Saracen.”

Director of Rugby Mark McCall added: “Brad’s agreement to stay with the club until the conclusion of the 19/20 season is outstanding news.

“He has been a central figure in the development of our club for more than a decade and a truly great captain for the last five years.

“We are delighted that Brad will have the opportunity to end his time with us in the manner he so richly deserves.”