Hargreaves stays true to Borthwick

 

The former Sharks lock was asked to fill the captaincy void created by Borthwick's retirement.

 

Hargreaves has taken on the mantle with a quiet authority after an opening day win over Wasps and Friday’s 39-0 thumping of Harlequins.

 

Saracens endured a heart breaking season last year, making it into two Finals (the Premiership and the European Cup) but losing both narrowly to Northampton Saints and Toulon respectively.

 

“It is a big void to fill but I love being part of Saracens and it is a huge season for this club,” he said of filling Borthwick’s boots. 

 

“The pre-season allowed me to get my teeth into the job and it’s important to understand that players come and go at the club but nothing changes. The way we do things stays the same.

 

“Mark [McCall, Sarries director of rugby] and I had some discussion towards the end of last season and while I had done a lot of captaincy at junior level in South Africa I didn’t have much experience at senior level.

 

"That is why for me, the job is about staying on the same path that we have been following under Steve. 

 

"It’s about consistency and with the calibre of players I have it means there is a really good leadership group at the club.

 

"Their support is vital.”

 

The start to the 2014-15 season is one that the newly appointed captain is already relishing with the victory over the Quins an early highlight.

 

“I can’t think of many games I’ve left the field in a Sarries jersey with such an exceptional feeling,” said Hargreaves.

 

“We’re proud of the effort and the work – it was a great day at the office.”