Saracens’ academy manager to join the RFU
Don Barrell, seen in his Saracens playing days, is to join the RFU. Picture: JAN KRUGER/GETTY IMAGES - Credit: Getty Images
Saracens’ academy manager Don Barrell will leave the club at the end of the season to take up a role with the Rugby Football Union.
It will end an 18-year association with Saracens for Barrell who will become the head of regional academies.
Reporting to Dean Ryan, the head of international performance, Barrell will take up the role in July.
Speaking of his impending departure, Barrell said: “It is with great sadness but also huge thanks that I leave Saracens to take up a new challenge with the RFU. Saracens has been a part of my life for the last 18 years in one form or another. I have grown up within the club and take with me brilliant memories from my time as a player and later from my time within the academy.
“It has been a privilege to be within an organisation that has allowed me to grow as a coach and trusted me to help develop the next generation of Saracens.
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“The academy has a great group of staff who are supported brilliantly by everyone at the club, I have no doubt they will continue to be successful.”
He added: “I wish the club the best of luck and will be looking forward to seeing everyone during the rest of the season as they continue to work hard and make memories.”
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Saracens’ director of rugby Mark McCall said: “He is a Saracens man and boy, having been at the club for 18-years.
“He remains one of the most popular figures here at Saracens - both in his time as a player and in his role as academy manager.
“He has built on some very strong foundations and taken our academy system to the next level and I think his progression is another example of the benefits of investing in people.
“He leaves with our best wishes.”
