We’ll try to push Daly into centre says Goode
LONG-SERVING Saracens full-back Alex Goode has vowed to stand up and fight for his place following confirmation that Elliot Daly will join the club next season.
Goode, who is closing in on 200 Premiership appearances, might be forgiven for feeling threatened by the impending arrival of England and Lions star Daly.
However, one-club man Goode, 30, told The Rugby
Paper: “It’s brilliant news. Ultimately, it’s great to have some of the best players in the world play for us and Elliot is a world-class player – a British Lion who will be a great addition to our squad.
“First and foremost, it’s great that he wants to be in our squad to hopefully try and win some trophies. He’s a brilliant talent, has a hard work ethic and the ambition to improve, which is what our club is all about. He’ll add great value, on and off the field.”
Daly, 26, currently occupies the England No.15 jersey many people feel should be Goode’s. However, his ability to also play on the wing and outsidecentre, where he excels, means his eventual role at Saracens next season has yet to be determined. And with Wales flyer Liam Williams in the mix, it promises to be a potent back three.
Goode, below added: “Liam Williams said he was going to have a go at him if he tried to take his spot so we’ll collectively go after Elliot and push him inside, maybe! Seriously, though, at the end of the day I want to play and whatever the coaches have in mind, it’s for me to play well and keep pushing to keep my place.
“I’ve had Liam breathing down my neck already but that only drives me to improve constantly, and having world-class players at the club does that. It makes you fight and because they’re on your side, training with them makes you even better.
“The important thing is that the team improves because we want to be as successful as we can be at Saracens. Elliot’s arrival will only add to that.”
One-club man Goode has no intention of going abroad or seeking another Premiership side.
“I’ve only ever known Saracens and I see that as a massive positive,” said Goode, who joined the club in 2006. “I love this club, they’ve been very good for me and, ultimately, I see this place as the best opportunity to be fighting for trophies every year.
“People talk about going to France but I want to come away from my career having been as successful as I can be, and to do that for my only club is pretty special. As far as I’m concerned, I love being at Saracens and I’ll stay as long as they’ll keep me.”
Despite being constantly snubbed by England boss Eddie Jones, Goode refuses to give up on the remote possibility of making the World Cup squad.
Having been capped 21 times, he said: “It’s an honour to play for England and if I had the chance to do it again, I’d jump at the opportunity.
“The World Cup is close now and people say I have no chance, but I still haven’t given up hope of getting there. I still think I could do a job and perform well. I’m in good form, my fitness is good, so I still hope it will happen and I’ll always have that ambition.” Alex Goode was speaking at a ‘Train with your Heroes’ session at Harrow RFC after their U14s side won a competition launched by Gallagher, proud title partner of Premiership Rugby.