Byrne Begins Life At Saracens

Shane Byrne in action for the Lions

Shane Byrne, who linked up with new club Saracens this week, has cited departing Ireland defensive coach Mike Ford as one of his main reasons for joining the London outfit.

Ford, confirmed as Sarries’ new head coach last month while assisting the British & Irish Lions, will end his near four-year coaching association with the Irish international squad in November, following the autumn Test series.

The former Great Britain rugby league international will then shift his role at Saracens from part-time to full-time.

Admittedly a big fan of Ford’s, Ireland and Lions hooker Byrne has joined in at the club’s pre-season training at the University of Hertfordshire this week.

The 34-year-old Byrne, who agreed to leave Leinster on a two-year deal while in New Zealand with the Lions, admitted: “There were two main reasons why I joined Saracens. One was the reputation of the club. I know the Wallace brothers very well, along with Paddy Johns and Darragh O’Mahony, and they always spoke very highly of Saracens.

“That along with the performances of the team at the end of last season and qualifying for the Heineken Cup, made the decisions easier.

“The other main reason was Mike Ford. I’ve worked with him for three years with Ireland and in that time we’ve had one of the best defensive records. He has a great attitude and is someone I’m looking forward to working with on a full-time basis.”

The Aughrim man, who played a record 135 times for Leinster during a 14-year spell with the province, told the Saracens’ website: “I’m really enjoying it (here). There is a good bunch of guys at Saracens and it’s a great set-up – as good as I’ve ever come across.

“I’d never dreamed of leaving Leinster, but this is a good opportunity for me to reinvent myself and a change of life for my family. This is a lovely part of the world and I can’t fault anything I’ve seen so far – the rest is up to me.”

Byrne should make his debut for Saracens on Saturday week, away to Bedford Blues in a pre-season friendly.