Mordt’s looking forward to helping Saracens’ young stars in LV= Cup opener against Harlequins

Nils Mordt is looking forward to taking to the field with Saracens’ young stars as they kick off their LV= Cup campaign with a London derby against Harlequins on Sunday.

As in previous years, Sarries are expected to use the competition to give their emerging talents valuable experience.

The north Londoners have reached the semi-finals in each of the last two years, and 30-year-old Mordt is enjoying his role as one of the “older heads” as he prepares for Sunday’s first pool match against Quins at Allianz Park.

“If you look at how rigid and how tough the Premiership and Heineken Cup is, the LV= Cup is a perfect ground for young stars that are coming through,” he said.

“It doesn’t mean that we won’t have some experienced players alongside them – me being one of them, and a couple of guys who need game time or who the club think should play a little bit more.

“It won’t be a wholesale young side, I think it will just be a young team with some older heads, and that’s obviously the best way for youngsters to learn – playing in a game with older guys who have been there and done that – and it also makes for an exciting game.

“There’s less to lose in comparison to Premiership or Heineken Cup games so hopefully that opens the game up and these youngsters can express themselves.

“I’ve enjoyed playing with them over the last couple of seasons. I think I’m a slightly steady head up there, with some younger guys.

“If a few things go wrong then I’m there to put them back in the right direction, keep them positive and keep them focused on the next job in hand. For me it’s brilliant to be able to play with younger guys who bring something different to what we already have at Saracens.”

Mordt believes the future is bright as he casts his eye over the club’s next generation.

“Maro Itoje is coming on in leaps and bounds and we’ve got Nick Tompkins, who did well last year in bits and pieces in the LV= Cup,” he said.

“We have a No9 called Tom Whiteley, who’s almost like Ben Spencer’s understudy now, and he’s exciting with ball in hand.

“Depending on how much we get to use the academy boys, we’ve got some strength in depth there, even at a young age. I think it will be exciting to see those guys – some of them making their first appearances for the club in a first-team game.”

There will be fireworks off the pitch at Saracens’ Allianz Park on Sunday night as it hosts a Disney-themed Bonfire Night extravaganza, featuring characters from the films as well as a hog roast, wood fired pizza stall, doughnuts and a full bar.

Gates open at 6pm and entry is £10 for adults and £5 for Under-16s. Parking is free.

You could also buy a ticket to see Saracens’ game against Harlequins from 1pm, followed by Saracens’ Women vs Richmond from 3.30pm – and then stay to watch the fireworks for free. Visit www.allianzpark.com/fireworks for more information.