Matt Gallagher has chosen PRO14 rugby ahead of the Championship with Saracens

Saracens’ adjustment to life as the club who will be relegated from the Gallagher Premiership at the end of this season continues, the latest development being the departure of Matt Gallagher to Irish province Munster. 

The salary cap-bursting Londoners have been busy formulating plans for how they will tackle the Championship and they will now do so without a youngster who has had a nine-year spell at Saracens, starting in the junior academy at the age of 14 before rising through the ranks and into Mark McCall’s first team.  

“I’m really sad to be leaving Saracens after nine great years,” said Gallagher. “This place has been a major part of my life for so long and I feel extremely proud to have represented Saracens; it was what I set out to do when I joined the junior academy at 14.

“The memories I’ve made will stay with me for a very long time and I’ve made lifelong friends who I’ve thoroughly enjoyed sharing the journey with.

“There are so many people who have helped me progress to where I am now. I’m excited for a new challenge but will be forever grateful to Sarries for giving me an opportunity.”

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Despite lifting the under-20s World Cup with England in 2016, Gallagher, the son of 1987 World Cup winner John, is Irish qualified and has ambitions of playing internationally with Ireland.  

Saracens boss McCall said: “It’s been a pleasure to watch Matt’s development during his time at the club. He has progressed greatly in the past couple of seasons and now a new challenge awaits. We’d like to wish him the best of luck with his move to Ireland.”

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