Saints old boy Clark getting up to pace with Sarries
CALUM Clark admits he is still adjusting to the hectic pace of life at Saracens after relaunching his career following two injury-hit seasons at Northampton.
Back row workhorse Clark, 28, missed the entire 2015-16 campaign after shoulder surgery and managed just nine Premiership appearances last year.
He believes his move to Allianz Park will provide a fresh lease of life, telling
TRP: “I needed a change. It’s as simple as that sometimes and I just wanted to try something else and not look back and wonder, ‘what if ?’.
“Northampton were good to me. I had five great years there and two not so good years in terms of injury and performances. But sometimes you have to move on and just try something new.
“I don’t think I was anywhere near the pace when I came into Saracens and it took me quite a long time to adjust. I’m still not there yet and I’ve got to keep my feet on the ground and be honest about that, but I’m playing now and enjoying it.”
Although highly experienced, Clark is humble enough to accept that he still has plenty to learn from the likes of Schalk Burger, 34, against whom he will compete for a place once the South African returns from injury.
Clark said: “Schalk doesn’t do any weights, which is unusual and something you wouldn’t expect, but he’s still a top rugby player and a good rugby bloke – very sociable and open to helping other lads and passing on all the experience he has.
“He’s had the full spectrum of experiences, from the highs of winning World Cups to the lows of illness and injury lay-offs, but he’s managed to keep himself level and he’s a great bloke to have around for the knowledge he imparts.
“It’s such a competitive squad at Saracens, especially with all the young blokes coming through and pushing standards, but it’s inspiring me to keep improving every day and I’m looking forward to getting a chance to play with Schalk.”
In common with other top-flight players, Clark admits being concerned over Premiership Rugby proposals to extend the season from 2019.
“You’re seeing a lot of lads going through injury problems now and I’m no different,” Clark said.
“Those proposals for a longer season are out of our hands, it’s not for us to decide, but you’ve got to feel for guys who are now repeatedly out injured. I’ve come through a lot over the last year and I’m just happy to be playing again.”
Clark’s lone England cap came in a World Cup warm-up against France two years ago.
His chances of a recall look remote, but he added: “There are a lot of good young back rows in the Premiership now but I’ll never give up.
“I’m in a high-standard, hard-working environment at Saracens and I’ll always try to be better.”