England fly-half Owen Farrell demands Sarries retain Premiership title after ending wait for European glory
England fly-half Owen Farrell has challenged his side to become the first English club since Wasps in 2004 to complete a European and domestic double after Saracens were crowned kings of the continent on Saturday.
Farrell successfully kicked seven penalties as Sarries beat Racing 92 21-9 to seal their maiden European title, which for the previous nine years had been the exclusive property of teams from Ireland and France.
Saracens’ focus now turns to defending their status as Premiership champions and face Leicester Tigers at Allianz Park on Saturday for a place in the final at Twickenham on 28 May.
“We have half done it, but we still have two games to go,” said Farrell. “As good as this feeling is, all that matters is that we keep getting better. To put the work in that we have and grow as we have throughout the years has been brilliant.”
Saracens were the first side in history to remain unbeaten throughout the entire European Cup campaign, and spurred on by near-misses of the past, director of rugby Mark McCall has promised that Saturday’s triumph is only the beginning.
“We have a tightness and togetherness about this group,” said McCall. “If we stay humble, which we will, and stay hungry, which I know we will, there will be more days like this ahead.”
England lock Maro Itoje, meanwhile, was named European Player of the Year on Saturday, the fourth successive Englishman to scoop the award, after a season which has been the 21-year-old make his international breakthrough.