Sarries players Brad Barritt, Will Fraser, Neil de Kock and Schalk Brits took part in session last week

Ham & High: The Saracens players pose with one of the youngsters at the session (pic: Saracens RFC)The Saracens players pose with one of the youngsters at the session (pic: Saracens RFC) (Image: Archant)

Four Saracens stars lent their support to a community project which helps children with learning difficulties.

England centre Brad Barritt was joined by flanker Will Fraser, scrum-half Neil de Kock and hooker Schalk Brits as the youngsters with autism were put through their paces at the first pre-season training session.

The players joined in the session at Allianz Park and all had a go at the cross bar challenge and the tackling bags.

Afterwards the Sarries quartet handed out gongs at an award ceremony in the club lounge to the youngsters aged between 12-20.

The sessions are organised by Tomas Gamage of the Sarries Sport Foundation programme and sponsored by Hampstead car dealership Alan Day VW.

The Sarries programme for disabled youngsters has expanded over the last few months and there are now 20 students attending with a growing waiting list.

Meanwhile, new Saracens signing Calum Clark says he is bedding in nicely following his summer switch to London.

The flanker has joined from Premiership rivals Northampton Saints, and says he has fun with his new team-mates in pre-season so far.

“It’s a change for me, but one I needed and I’ve enjoyed it so far,” Clark told the club website.

“I feel very privileged to have had the chance to come to Saracens and to make a change I felt I needed at the time.

“So far, it’s been positive and I’m looking forward to that continuing.”

Clark, who was capped by England once in 2015, leaves Saints having won the Avivia Premiership and the European Challenge Cup, both in the 2013-14 season.

In joining Sarries, the 28-year-old has a chance to add to his medal collection, with the north Londoners the defending two-time European champions.

And Clark is keen to push himself to the next level during his time at Allianz Park, knowing it will help both him and Saracens be successful over the course of his three-year contract.

“I just have to keep pushing on and getting better every day, adding to what’s already a successful group of people here,” he added.

“I’ll add my bit and do whatever I can and see where that takes us and me personally.”