Saracens to Strategically Manage International Players Post-Six Nations, Says McCall

Saracens are set to carefully manage their players returning from the Six Nations, as director of rugby Mark McCall emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery for optimal performance. The club faces a pivotal period with upcoming matches against Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, and Toulon in the European Champions Cup.

Key Player Rest and Rotation

McCall highlighted the necessity of adapting player involvement based on their recent game time and physical condition. "We've got a three-game window coming up so all of our international players will get a good period of rest during the three weeks," McCall explained. This approach aims to mitigate fatigue and injuries, which are common after intensive international fixtures.

Saracens’ Current Standing and Challenges

Currently positioned fifth in the league, Saracens are just one point away from a playoff spot with seven games remaining. The team has experienced a mix of high-level performances and inconsistent results this season, a challenge McCall is keen to address by returning to their best form.

Upcoming Fixtures and Strategy

• Vs Harlequins: A critical match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
• At Leicester Tigers: A challenging away game.
• At Toulon: A significant test in the European Champions Cup.

McCall’s strategy involves not only physical rest but also mental preparation, ensuring players are mentally refreshed and focused for the intense period ahead.

Player Participation in the Six Nations

Several Saracens players had significant roles in the Six Nations:

• England: Theo Dan, Ben Earl, Jamie George, Maro Itoje, Tom Willis
• Wales: Nick Tompkins, Liam Williams
• Italy: Marco Riccioni

Each player’s contribution and game time have been closely monitored by the coaching staff to tailor their return to club responsibilities effectively.