Sarries hoping to end successful season on a high

Saracens are preparing for their second final in seven days, this time domestic. Having been humbled against Toulon in the Heineken Cup climax last time out, captain Steve Borthwick is raring to go.

His team are odds-on 8/13 favourites to beat Northampton Saints in the Aviva Premiership play-off final, and having overcome a pectoral muscle problem, the 34-year-old is determined to make his last game at the club count.

Borthwick moves to Japan to pursue a career in coaching in the summer, and is looking forward to leading his team out one last time.

“I’m good and ready to go this weekend,” he said

“It wasn’t a great situation, but I was fortunate that here we’ve got a great medical team.

“I’ve thanked them personally, so I’ll thank them publicly, they’ve helped me not just in this last fortnight, but throughout my time here.

“Obviously, when you’ve played as many games as I have there’s a little bit of wear and tear.

“I’m not sure who’s lined up to take my seven o’clock physio slot once I’ve gone!

“It takes a toll but playing this amazing sport, whether you earn money for it or not, it’s a privilege.

“There are costs along the way, there are things that take their toll, but I honestly don’t bat an eyelid at those now.

“I’d go back and do it all again, to have all those experiences again, I’m content, it’s been an amazing journey.”

Northampton, 6/4 to record victory, unlike Saracens have enjoyed silverware success this campaign, having already won the Challenge Cup.

Welsh winger George North whose try against Leicester Tigers in the semi-final ensured a dramatic victory for the Saints is pumped up for the game, and can’t wait to add another winners medal to his collection in his first season at Franklin’s Gardens.

“Winning silverware was one of the main reasons I came to the club.