SARACENS' BID to regain the Heineken Cup in their first season back after suspension from the Premiership came to a halt when they lost to La Rochelle in the quarter-finals in early April.
But what was actually bending that day? Was it the Saracens campaign or something wider and more significant? Was it the end of an era? In that game Billy Vunipola, a fantastic core player in the Saracens success, was replaced with what looked like a serious knee injury and he's now in a race to make the World Cup.
Saracens have still dominated the Premiership this season, with some thunderous performances, not least the day when they put 50 points past Leicester. They have changed style and become a wonderfully attractive team, one of the reasons the feeble cats' chorus which would have Owen Farrell dumped from the England team in favour of Marcus Smith often sounded so ridiculous.
Farrell has been a titan in Saracens' attacking set-up and, as we went to press, they had secured a home advantage in the play-offs and were still substantial favourites to take the title. They've won the European Cup three times, the Premiership five, and been so good that not only have they dominated but sent most English clubs into fits of jealousy.
But what happens next? Whether or not they take the title this year, an era does seem to be ending. Mako Vunipola has been playing wonderful rugby and Billy was showing signs of returning to his best, with England’s options at No 8 more a chasm than an area of strength. But neither brother can be considered in the long term anymore.
This story is from the June 2023 edition of Rugby World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2023 edition of Rugby World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
As the domestic season comes to a close, we take a look across the English pyramid to see which community clubs have tasted success
Japan's landmark
The Brave Blossoms are preparing for an historic first home Test against England. Rich Freeman explains why it means so much
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO ...BRING RUGBY TO INDIA'S STREETS
RW finds out why Kolkata kids are picking up the oval ball in Quins shirts
Anthony Brooke
Mixed ability sport might not exist but for this multiple award-winner
SCOTT ROBERTSON
The new All Blacks head coach awaits the arrival of England on tour before embarking on a first Rugby Championship. We tune into his method and mindset...
SYDNEY GREGSON
The England centre hopes Saracens can right past wrongs in the play-offs
STATE OF PLAY
Uncertain futures on the SVNS series, funding issues and the small matter of the Olympics - former captain TOM MITCHELL looks at what's going on with Team GB
MAX POWER
His jump to senior standout has impressed many in Scotland and Glasgow's MAX WILLIAMSON has shown there is a way forward
KWAGGA SMITH
The Springboks have a point to prove against Ireland, says the flanker
Nash smashes on!
A BREAKTHROUGH STAR IN THE SIX NATIONS, MUNSTER WINGER CALVIN NASH HAS DONE IT THE HARD WAY