I’ve loved my time here so far it’s been great - Wainwright

Nine players made their Saracens debut on Saturday as the Men in Black got their season off to a flyer with a 50-28 victory over Wasps in the Premiership Rugby Cup. 

Out of the nonet, five hail from the club’s Senior Academy and experienced professional club rugby for the first time.

Prop Sam Wainwright, who joined from RGC in the summer, came on as a replacement in the second half at the Ricoh Arena and was honoured to put on the Sarries shirt and contribute to a winning performance.

“I’ve loved my time here so far it’s been great.”

“It was a massive privilege to play,” he said. “I’m over the moon to have got a few minutes under my belt, it was a really good experience.

“Saracens is renowned for bringing their young players through and giving them opportunities. 

“I was really grateful for the opportunity and I think the average age of the squad was 21 so it was a young squad and just a great environment to be in. I’ve loved my time here so far it’s been great.”

From playing in the Welsh Premier Division to competing in England’s Cup competition, Wainwright certainly noticed the difference between the two.

The former Wales Under-20 seamlessly slotted in the Wolfpack’s defence on the weekend and says ‘suffocating’ Wasps worked well in order to come out on top. 

“The difference was the speed and physicality, definitely. It’s a lot quicker and hard on the lungs!

“We talked about having a good work rate and bringing a lot energy in defence; putting them in a pit where they can’t get out, pressurising them with kicks and keeping on top of them, not letting them breathe and suffocating them. I think we did well to do that.”

Wainwright and Saracens return to Allianz Park this Saturday to face Sale Sharks. Tickets remain on sale HERE!