| Venue: Twickenham Stadium Date: Saturday, 18 June. Start time: 15:00 BST Coverage: Live scores and updates on BBC Sport. |
Maro Itoje, an England lock, says that Saracens were “never in doubt” when the scandal involving the salary cap was unfolding.
After being relegated for violating the salary cap rules, this is the first season that the club from north London has been back in the top flight.
The Saracens are bidding for their sixth Premiership title at Twickenham.
Itoje, who is participating in his fifth domestic showpiece, stated that he was “always going be at Saracens”.
He stated that “this club is more than just rugby club” to BBC Radio 5 Live.
“It’s more than my employer. It is something I truly care about.
It is my boyhood club. Copthall is only 10 minutes from Edgeware, where my parents reside.
“Obviously, there was some talk about going somewhere short-term.” [after relegation]But, it was never in doubt that Saracens would be leaving.
“I was always going be at Saracens.
“Saracens is a unique club with a special atmosphere. It is the people that make it unique – it’s the staff, players, owners, and even the kit man. Everyone is important.”
Saracens came in second place in the Premiership table this season, seven points behind Leicester.
They came back to defeat Harlequins, 34-17, at StoneX Stadium in StoneX Stadium. Premiership player of the season Ben Earl A hat-trick.
Leicester are the opponents this weekend beat Northampton Saints The other semi-final.
“Relegation was a good thing for us.”
Itoje, the head of the squad, says that the second-tier Championship season was a “humbling” experience that brought them together.
“That year of relegation was difficult, but for our core group we wanted to get club back to these sorts of occasions,” he said.
“While it was difficult at times, we knew that if our team worked together, and especially with the high quality personnel, we would be fine.
It was like going back in time, visiting places like Nottingham Knights and Doncaster Knights, especially during Covid.
“But I believe it was good. Many young men found their way that year. These types of experiences can bring you closer together, or further apart.
“Saturday gives us the chance to make new memories and to form tighter bonds, and that is why it’s so exciting.”
Jamie George, a hooker for the British and Irish Lions, said that he was able to stay despite being relegated. He also stated that a trip at Twickenham was his sole focus for the past year.
“It’s a tremendous amount for a lot people. We’ve been suffering for 18-months, but we are now back where we want to,” George stated on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“We were already talking about this moment the minute we were relegated.”
