Saracens' 'difficult decision' reaction to Malins joining Bristol

Saracens have given their reaction to the decision by England international Max Malins to rejoin Bristol for the 2023/24 season. The 25-year-old originally moved to Ashton Gate on loan for the 2020/21 season that the London club spent in the Championship following their relegation from the top flight.

Malins brilliantly used that opportunity to play on in the Gallagher Premiership, earning his debut England cap and starring in a top-of-the-table run that ended with Bristol reaching the semi-finals of the league. He also featured in the delayed 2019/20 Challenge Cup final win over Toulon in Provence.

With Saracens returning to the Premiership, Malins went back to London for the 2021/22 season that ended with an appearance in last June’s Twickenham final versus Leicester. Currently out of favour with Eddie Jones’ England team, the winger has now opted to sort out his future at an early stage by agreeing to a two-year deal to join Bristol next summer ahead of the 2023 World Cup in France.

A statement read: “Saracens can confirm that Max Malins will leave the club at the end of the season. The full-back/winger, who has 13 caps for his country, is heading back to Bristol Bears where he spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan.

“The 25-year-old has made 56 appearances for Saracens after coming through the academy at StoneX Stadium, and was the top try-scorer in the Gallagher Premiership last season.”

Absence makes the ? grow fonder… ? pic.twitter.com/dUC7drSKg7

— Bristol Bears ? (@BristolBears) October 4, 2022

Malins said: “I feel privileged to have represented such a special club for many years. I’m extremely grateful for all the support I have received and the lifelong friends I have made over this period. I look forward to continuing to give my all until the end of the season and hope to finish on a high.”

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall added: “We would like to thank Max for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for what lies ahead. As a player who came through our academy, we know this was a difficult decision for him, and we look forward to him continuing his current form for the rest of this season.”