Vyvyan to skipper Sarries

By Henry Harman
August 5 2004

Saracens Head Coach Rod Kafer today announced that former Newcastle Falcons and incumbent England A Captain, Hugh Vyvyan will lead the Men In Black for the 2004/05 season.

27 year-old Vyvyan who joined Saracens this summer has been selected ahead of other potential candidates, Taine Randell, Richard Hill, Raphael Ibanez, Alex Sanderson and Moses Rauluni as well as former club captains Kyran Bracken and Simon Raiwalui.

Vyvyan said of his selection – “It's a fantastic opportunity for me and I can't wait to pull on the new jersey and play for the first time. I must admit it did take me by surprise because there are some fantastic players in the side who have led both their clubs and country with great distinction. I'm looking to improve as a player and captain at Saracens and there is a great mixture of experience and youth at the club.”

"There is a fantastic atmosphere around the training ground and we are all preparing hard for the new season. It's been a busy few months for me after moving down from Newcastle and I'm really looking forward to the future with Saracens."

Kafer and Rugby Manager Steve Diamond highlighted how they came to their decision, Kafer said - “We wanted our selection of captain to mirror the criteria of our recent recruitment policy. We were looking for an English-based player and someone who could lead the club in the long term - Hugh fits into that category.”

Diamond who worked closely with Vyvyan on the last two Churchill Cup tours added - "Hugh is a very experienced club and international captain. I've been very impressed with his leadership of the England A side and he is someone who can captain the side in the long term."

Kafer did however say that - "Being captain does not guarantee automatic selection. There is a lot of competition in the squad this season and nobody has an automatic right for a place in the team. Performances will decide team selection."

The Saracens squad for the new season is nearly complete with Bradford Bulls Tevita Vaikona rumoured to be in talks with the club, former Sale centre Dan Harris is training with the squad, Tongan wing Pila Fifita has yet to be confirmed but looks likely to join along with Fly-half Glen Jackson after the NPC in October.

And what of the on-going rumours about a young South African lock joining Sarries? Only time will tell.