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Goode back in London and preparing for Saracens' promotion push following his Japanese loan spell

(Photo by Getty Images)

Saracens have confirmed that Alex Goode has returned to the Championship club following his Japanese loan spell at NEC Green Rockets. The full-back, who made 302 appearances for his London team before heading to the Top League, had been in Abiko since October but is now back in England and readying himself the final weeks of Saracens’ promotion push.

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The 33-year-old 2019 European player of the year, who has 21 caps for England as well as winning five Premiership titles and three European Cups, said on Thursday: “It’s great to be in the Saracens family again and be back amongst so many good friends. 

“When you leave you appreciate how amazing the club is and how big a part it has played in my life, so it’s amazing to be back. I had a great time in Japan and am very appreciative of the opportunity, but it feels really good to be back and I’m looking forward to playing my part in a huge period ahead for the club.”

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Jeremy Guscott guests on the latest RugbyPass Offload with Jamie Roberts and Ryan Wilson

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Jeremy Guscott guests on the latest RugbyPass Offload with Jamie Roberts and Ryan Wilson

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall added about Goode: “We’re delighted to welcome Alex back to the club after his experience in Japan. Everyone is aware of his huge contribution to the club over the last decade and he will play a key role going forward.”

On Wednesday, when hosting his media briefing ahead of next Monday’s home clash with Ampthill, McCall described the mixed mood at the club last week when its joy at gaining the biggest representation of any team on the 2021 Lions was offset by disappointment for the omitted Billy Vunipola and Sean Maitland.  

“The squad were over the moon for the five who went,” he told RugbyPass. “Every time a name was called out the room went mad but it was funny because they did it in alphabetical order and it so happened that Billy was the last on our list of people who could have gone.

“It went from jubilation to the opposite of that, to be honest, and everybody left the room quietly because they were so disappointed for Billy, which I thought was a lovely moment. Billy wasn’t in the room but it said a lot about how the group feel about him.”

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Hellhound 15 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 55 minutes ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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