Bauwmans ready to make a big impact for Saracens

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  • Breakthrough season: Bauwman’s form earned him month-long trip to the UK.

    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.” 

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