New Sarries coaches confident of titles

Matt Jones - Editor 21:39 24/06/2015
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  • Sarries coaches confident of success.

    Stephen Hamilton and Craig Nutt are adamant they can continue Abu Dhabi Saracens’ rise and win trophies next season.

    – Top 6: No backwards step for Quins under McFarlane
    – Top 6: Hamilton & Nutt to share Sarries management

    The duo backed up the feelings of new club chairman Jay Danielson that despite the upheaval at the club since the end of the season – both former chairman Dave Jackson and West Asia Cup-winning head coach Ali Thompson have stepped down – success can be sustained in 2015/16.

    Although Jackson, the man largely responsible for the birth of the Al Ghazal club in 2011 and its subsequent rise, and Thompson, who guided Sarries to such unprecedented glory last season, have taken a back seat, the new co-coaches are upbeat about the club’s future.

    Both played crucial roles in their debut season for Sarries, who recovered from a lethargic start to finish third in the UAE Premiership and qualify for the Gulf Top Six before their stunning West Asia Cup final victory over Doha.

    “Many might be thinking we need to try and be realistic next season, but I think it would be unrealistic not to target more silverware,” said Hamilton, 27.

    “Last season we weren’t expected to make the Gulf Top Six, let alone win the West Asia Cup, but we won 12 of 15 games (UAE Premiership and GT6) so next season why can’t we win 13 or 14 of 15?

    “Dave and Ali got us this far and they have left the club in a great position. Now it’s up to me and Craig to use our experience to take the club to the next step.”

    Hamilton, a former academy player at London Wasps, was brought in last summer to raise the profile of the club’s mini and juniors section.

    His background is in grass roots rugby, beginning his coaching career at renowned Blackheath back in the UK. He also served as Sarries’ backs coach last season.

    Both he and Nutt arrived in the UAE on the eve of the previous campaign, and although he admits stepping into the void left by Thompson is something he didn’t foresee, Englishman Hamilton is excited by the challenge in front of him.

    “I definitely wasn’t expecting it when I first came over but it’s another challenge,” said Hamilton, who has been building up the reputation of Sarries’ youth ranks since arriving in the UAE.

    “It was a massive season for the club and it was gutting to see Ali step down, but with a young family it was completely understandable. He’s been a great leader for us.

    “He bore the brunt of pressure last season but he ultimately got us to the West Asia Club Championship. His are massive shoes to fill and hopefully Craig and I can continue the success next season.”

    Despite the obvious blow of losing Jackson and Thompson, the centre is buoyed by the fact both will still be a presence around Al Ghazal.

    “Neither Dave nor Ali are leaving because the club’s falling apart, they’ve got other commitments and are stepping away for positive reasons,” said Hamilton.

    “Craig and I see that as a positive thing. Neither of us want to be part of a club that will struggle and we see a lot of promise in this squad.

    “It is nerve-wracking (taking on the job), especially with Craig, Jay (Danielson) and I all in new positions, but there’s a familiarity about the place.”

    Alongside Hamilton will be Welshman Nutt, who was a key cog in a Sarries’ forward pack that chewed up and spat out opponents with regularity during the course of the campaign.

    The 30-year-old formerly played for Welsh Rugby Union Championship side Bargoed, a feeder club for Newport Gwent Dragons.

    He revealed he didn’t flinch when asked by his former leader if he wanted to replace him.

    “Ali asked me and I said ‘of course’,” said the Blackwood native.

    “I’ve always coached the forward pack and coached kids teams too, from Under-12 to youth, so it’s not entirely new to me and I had no hesitation whatsoever in accepting the job.”

    Nutt believes the fact that he and Hamilton have been promoted from within will ease the process.

    He said: “I’m one of the most experienced players in the side and I get on with everyone and it’s always easier to have someone from within (take over the team).”

    Nutt, like Hamilton, is relishing the challenge ahead and is buoyed by the fact Sarries will retain the majority of their West Asia Cup-winning squad, in particular their entire forward pack that was so dominant last season.

    He also believes the 26-20 West Asia Cup win over Doha in March will put Sarries on a par with Abu Dhabi rivals Harlequins in the battle to recruit top new talent.

    “It will be a challenge but we’re up for it,” said Nutt.

    “I see no reason why we can’t continue our success. Not many players are leaving and the pack are all staying so that’s a massive plus.

    “We want to try and get some new talent in. We’ve already been in contact with a few. It’s a matter of trying to get them before they come here and Google Quins.

    “It will be a bit of a fight but we are West Asia champions so we have that in our armoury, it’s a feather in our cap.”

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