Barritt full of praise as Sarries claim fourth title

A 27-10 win ended the Chiefs’ title reign and gave Saracens a third top-flight title in four seasons.

It also completed a memorable turnaround from losing seven successive games in all competitions during November and December, including a 46-14 home drubbing by European Champions Cup opponents Clermont Auvergne.

“If you look back to that period, this probably ranks as one of the proudest turnarounds,” Saracens skipper Barritt said.

“Our performances have improved and the relentless appetite to improve as a team and as an individual has been remarkable. It’s been easy for me as a captain because I’ve had six to seven leaders across the park, and that collective ownership has come through in spades.

“It has driven the team to a new height, and you can see from the performance where this team has gone to.”

Saracens’ Twickenham triumph produced the biggest winning margin in a Premiership final since 2013, as wing Chris Wyles’ try double and touchdowns from Billy Vunipola and Nathan Earle saw them home.

Wyles, together with hooker Schalk Brits, made their farewell appearances before retiring from professional rugby, and Barritt said: “It’s sad for us to say goodbye to two absolute legends of the club. We all know as players what Chris and Schalk have given to Saracens and the many memories they’ve given the club.”

Exeter rugby director Rob Baxter, is upbeat about his squad’s future prospects after losing a second Premiership final in three seasons – both to Saracens.

“If I am really honest, the most pleasing thing for me moving forward is that, on average, we were the youngest Premiership team in the competition this year and we’ve got to the final,” he said.

“We finished top of the league, and from a coach’s perspective you have got to be massively enthusiastic about that.”