This is the end of an era says McCall
@therugbypaper
SARACENS director of rugby Mark McCall said: “In many ways it is the end of an era, but we showed all the qualities and characteristics we need on a new journey.
“This has been an incredible period for us in the last five seasons. This was our 23rd knock-out game in either Europe or the Premiership and we’ve won 19 of those games, which is an incredible record.
“We put our heart and soul into that game and we can be proud of the players. They are a special group.”
Saracens Lions’ hooker Jamie George said: “The element of the unknown is pretty horrendous. The way we saw it was that it was our last chance to compete for a little while.
“We wanted to finish it off and I’m gutted, I’m not going to lie. But at the same time I’m also incredibly proud.
“A lot of people have talked rubbish about us for a long time. But if you look at the squad here probably our best player was Dom Morris, and if you’re telling me we’re breaking the salary cap that’s an interesting on.”
George looked ahead to life in the Championship and added: “I don’t know what we’re going to be facing, but the young players coming through are hugely motivated and that is the exciting thing.”
George added that the main downside was not sending off departing talismen like captain Brad Barritt and Richard Wigglesworth in a blaze of glory.
“I guess the biggest disappointment is that we don’t get the right opportunity to give a big send off to club legends like Brad and Wiggy.
“They are two of the biggest club legends to play for Saracens. The things that Brad has put his body through to get on the field, and what he’s done for the club every time he pulls on that shirt, and the pride he has in it, is a true inspiration. What a captain!
“Wiggy is the same. A great leader – a hugely motivated, driven character.”
Billy Vunipola said: “Seeing players like Dom Morris and my little cousin (Manu), in terms of exposure at this level they are still babies. Mark my words, we will be back.”
Racing’s Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell said: “Last year we got to two quarter-finals and didn’t manage to progress. That shows how far the team has come.”