Abu Dhabi Saracens will be welcoming back a “better and more committed player” when Xavier Bauwmans pulls on their jersey again, following a month-long spell in England with Premiership giants Saracens.
Bauwmans, 20, was specially selected after a breakthrough campaign in which he went from reserve rugby in the UAE Conference to scoring three tries in the elite Gulf Top Six competition.
The back’s month-long stint in London saw him train with the academy and senior players, play in two sevens tournaments and experience the life of a professional with a group made up from the various Saracens Global Network-affiliated sides.
A shoulder injury looks likely to rule Bauwmans out of Friday’s Sport360° UAE Premiership opener against Dubai Exiles, but a more rounded athlete is expected to emerge upon his return to the Al Ghazal playing field.
He said: “Abu Dhabi Saracens are getting a better player and a more committed player. My time in England acts as an inspiration.
“I used to watch the players that were there on television. As soon as I saw them I was shocked, and I didn’t think I would be training with them.
“People like Charlie Hodgson and Mouritz Botha were there all the way through. I also got to meet the England players like Owen Farrell and Alex Goode – they offered encouragement.
“Abu Dhabi Saracens have put a lot more effort into pre-season, so we are looking to have a good start. Future opportunities in England will depend on how I play this season.”
Bauwmans’ game was honed under the watchful eye of the Saracens Academy coaches. This tutelage makes him feel he is ready to move from out wide into the centres in the campaign ahead.
He said: “I think I will be better, as I now have more of an understanding of the game. I will bring with me what I was taught in England.
“Certain things in rugby were a grey area. They went into greater detail, for example teaching the best stance for when you are in a ruck.
“They watched the way I play and gave me some tips to improve my game. I am looking forward to trying a whole bunch of new things next season.
“At the moment, I am looking to gain weight and move to the centres. That is my ultimate goal this year.”