Tompkins hits the 200-mark for Saracens

MARK McCall has hailed Nick Tompkins, who makes his 200th appearance today for Saracens against champions Northampton at StoneX Stadium, as the epitome of a player the club aims to produce.

- PAUL REES

The 29-year-old Wales centre made his Sarries debut 12 years ago having come through the club’s academy system and for the last six seasons has been the first choice in the midfield.

“Nick came here when he was 14,” said McCall, Sarries’ director of rugby. “He was playing in the back row then and in his 16 years with us he has developed gradually on and off the pitch. He had to fight for his place to begin with behind Brad Barritt and Marcelo Bosch. He was prepared to be patient and learn from the people who were above him. Now he is passing that education down.

“I think he must be the least mature 29-year old there has ever been, and I mean that in the nicest possible way. He has that joy of life you want when you come into the building every day.

“He cannot wait to train and be with his friends. We love his energy and he typifies what we want our players to be like.”