Abu Dhabi Saracens latest signing Sean Stevens says he was “drawn” to the club after signing up for the new Premiership season.
Sarries officials have spoken of wanting to compete with their more illustrious neighbours for new signings and it seems their West Asia Cup triumph last season may well be paying dividends. The South African centre will step into the void left by departing compatriot Pieter Morton, who last month chose to defect to the Zayed Sports City team.
.@Hassanbushaker7 says chat with Jaen Botes led to @SaracensUAE switch: http://t.co/K9yWXpKKwS @MattJones360 pic.twitter.com/Cnr9KKlopA
— Sport360° (@Sport360) August 1, 2015
“Something drew me towards Saracens,” said 25-year-old Stevens.
“It’s more than just a rugby club. Family is a big part of what they stand for and a club I played for back home had the same ethos. Everyone knows each other, everyone’s friends, everyone’s welcome. I think it’s a good fit.
“There are South Africans here but everyone’s friendly and welcomed me with open arms. It’s already starting to feel like home.”
Stevens previously played Varsity Cup and Community Cup rugby in his homeland for Bloemfontein Police and the Central University of Technology, while an ACL knee reconstruction two years ago denied him of a chance to play for Welsh Rugby Union Premiership side Newport.
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After arriving in the UAE in January, Stevens was sold on the massive development going on throughout UAE rugby by a friend who previously played for Dubai Exiles. That led him to social media and his arrival at his new club.
“I went on Facebook, found Saracens and sent them a message. Sarries got back to me really quickly,” he said.
Sarries came of age last season, capped by their superb 26-20 win against Doha in the West Asia Cup final in Qatar in March. Head coach Ali Thompson and president Dave Jackson have both stepped down since, replaced by new coaching duo Stephen Hamilton and Craig Nutt and new chairman Jay Danielson, but Stevens sees no reason why that should set the club back.
He said: “They won the West Asia Cup last season, which was massive for the club. Craig’s got a good head on his shoulders. Stephen has a good idea about what needs to be done.
“The foundation’s been set and Stephen and Craig will try to keep that momentum from last year and improve. I don’t think much will change. They’ve found a system that works and we’re hoping to keep the success going. Training’s been great and the boys seem up for this year.”
