The press are drumming up the drama at Franklins Gardens, yet Saracens are the most intriguing; employing a world-class finisher, and depriving a rival of their own.
Uncharacteristically a low profile was the stance
from Saracens, speaking briefly on the matter “out of respect for
Saints”. The possible 2013 Lions touring candidate reflected that
gesture on Twitter that although he has signed for the rivals, it is
presently “all about Saints”.
The Saracen’s blueprint seems to becoming the
Master Plan. The ex-pat South African fan base that Saracens has gained
the attention of has now got to watch a potential England backline. With
Morgan, Hodgson, Strettle, Barritt, Farrell, Ashton and Goode 9 to 15,
the dots are slowly being drawn together.
Chris Ashton was already claiming caps in colourful
style, and playing for a club side that ran parallel with Saracens. Yet
the sales pitch made by Saracens must have been a swallow-dive over the
line.
With Chris Ashton racking up income as quick as he
is running in tries, I am sure he was receptive to an increase in wages.
I think he may have been aware of his good friend from league signing
for Saracens; including the synergy agreement between Saracens and
Ashton’s former league club, Wigan. Reverting back to the old code for
stints may seem as some fun for him.
Originality regarding the off-field Saracens
organisation is too much to ignore. The care placed on player
development, community and family life is great. Even the team ‘bonding’
breaks abroad must be nice. But the off-field standards will never
match the standards they have set and adhered to on it.
Chris Ashton is looking at a squad full of depth
and quality. Similar to Northampton, but this team has gone to the big
game and won. Ashton may have lost his patience with the Saints falling
short on both fronts last year, exacerbated by England’s woes in grand
slam deciders and a World Cup also. A fresh start for club and country
is may be what he needed.
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