Vunipola injury puts Wray in frame for star role

SARACENS stalwart Jackson Wray admits he would love to captain the club one day as he once again prepares to fill the sizeable breach left by Billy Vunipola.Having helped keep Saracens afloat last season in the face of an injury crisis before they eventually claimed the Premiership title, Wray’s back row versatility will be tested with Vunipola (arm), Nick Isiekwe (ankle) injured and Mike Rhodes called-up by England.

Wray, below, told TRP: “Billy worked really hard to stay in shape and get back from his last broken arm so it’s such a shame it’s happened again. But we’re used to losing people, it’s been going on for so long and last season was probably the worst.

“We dealt with it pretty well then, though, and used a lot of players, which in the long-run made us stronger at the back end of the year. People step up and are ready for it and we’ve got guys like Ben Earl and Calum Clark who are itching for some games.

“It was a good, fighting season last year and we’re in a similar position now, but there are a lot more things we want to achieve this season and I’m glad to be in the mix. I’m part of the leadership group and it’s about doing as much as I can to help us win.”

With Saracens skipper Brad Barritt now 32, the midfield warrior cannot last forever and Wray’s lack of England involvement makes him a prime candidate to take over.

Wray, 27, said: “It would obviously be a big honour if it ever did happen and I’d be proud to lead this team, but at the moment Brad’s captaining well and it’s about learning along the way and taking in as much as I can from all the other leaders within the club.

“In future, who knows, but for the moment I’ll keep progressing and my focus on the international stuff has never gone – and that’ll drive me on anyway.”