Barritt’s not ready to smell the coffee yet
BRAD Barritt aims to make it big in coffee when he finally hangs up his boots – but for now the centre is far more captivated by the sweet smell of continued Saracens success.
The South Africa-born centre has enjoyed playing a pivotal role in the remarkable Allianz Park revolution, and claims it has not yet finished.
Barritt, 31, has been preparing for life after rugby by investing in a coffee business that he hopes will fill the huge void once he stops wearing the Sarries jersey.
But for now Barritt insists appetite for success on the field is as strong as it was when he was plucked from Currie Cup action by then Saracens coach Jones to start a wonderful journey over here.
Barritt hopes to celebrate his 200th club appearance with victory over Wasps today having been a cornerstone to Sarries remarkable spell of five major trophies in six years, and emergence as a European super power.
His international career may have been cut short by the same Aussie who unleashed him on the English game, but Saracens have certainly benefited from having him constantly available.
Barritt insists: “I came here as a 21-year-old, and the hunger I had then is still the same now. I’m motivated by the people I work with every day. My personal feelings and attachment to the club motivate me.
“Having been here from the start and seeing where the club’s gone since 2008, I take huge satisfaction from being part of that journey.
“The first Premiership victory in 2011, the resilience of the players and coaches, then the first European victory after five years of constant work. We pounded the rock and earned the right to call ourselves champions.
“I’m very proud to play for the club for 200 games. To play with guys you call friends is pretty special. Every weekend it is easy to get excited about playing.
“There has been a complete revolution at the club since I joined. The performances and success of the team has grown year on year. It started with Brendan Ventor and Mark (McCall) has taken that on to new heights.
“I am loving my time here, playing some very good rugby and being part of a very successful team, so I have no ambition to stop any time soon.”
Barritt insists he will be well prepared for the day when he decides to stop.
He insists: “Coffee has always been a passion of mine. I am involved on a slightly different level in a family business with my brother. I’m also involved with a Bio-Tech company and Coffee Roastery called Tiki Tonga.
“I’ve been planning my future since I left school. As a rugby player you are always aware of the injury rate and what can happen. I have upskilled myself, first as an undergraduate in South Africa, and Saracens helped me push on and do a masters in business.”
Sarries’ director of rugby Mark McCall insists: “Brad has been a great role model for all the players here. He has been huge on and off the field.
“He’s the club captain and the leader of the playing group who sets an unbelievable example for all the other guys to follow.
“He is as competitive person as you are going to come across and has been central to the environment which exists here.”