"Saracens are changing.Changing for the better and setting an example”

It may feel like 'same old Sarries' - and they are still one of the Premiership's undeniable forces. But Stephen Jones digs into what the future could hold for this project in North London

- STEPHAN JONES

SARACENS' BID to regain the Heineken Cup in their first season back after suspension from the Premiership came to a halt when they lost to La Rochelle in the quarter-finals in early April.

But what was actually bending that day? Was it the Saracens campaign or something wider and more significant? Was it the end of an era? In that game Billy Vunipola, a fantastic core player in the Saracens success, was replaced with what looked like a serious knee injury and he's now in a race to make the World Cup. 

Saracens have still dominated the Premiership this season, with some thunderous performances, not least the day when they put 50 points past Leicester. They have changed style and become a wonderfully attractive team, one of the reasons the feeble cats' chorus which would have Owen Farrell dumped from the England team in favour of Marcus Smith often sounded so ridiculous.

Farrell has been a titan in Saracens' attacking set-up and, as we went to press, they had secured a home advantage in the play-offs and were still substantial favourites to take the title. They've won the European Cup three times, the Premiership five, and been so good that not only have they dominated but sent most English clubs into fits of jealousy.

But what happens next? Whether or not they take the title this year, an era does seem to be ending. Mako Vunipola has been playing wonderful rugby and Billy was showing signs of returning to his best, with England’s options at No 8 more a chasm than an area of strength. But neither brother can be considered in the long term anymore.