In an article from our ‘Engage’ pullout, Saracens wing Alex Lewington previews the new Gallagher Premiership season

New Saracens wing Alex Lewington says he hopes to help the club continue to add trophies to their cabinet over the coming seasons, writes Ned Keating.

The 26-year-old arrived at Allianz Park in the summer from London Irish, having impressed in the top flight last term despite the Exiles being relegated.

The wing says watching Mark McCall’s men win trophy after trophy in recent seasons helped lure him to north London.

And now part of the Sarries set-up, Lewington wants to help the club in their quest for success over the coming years.

“Just seeing where Saracens have been over the past 10 years, it’s quite flattering to be in conversations to come to a club like this where they’ve been so successful,” he told the club website. “They’ve won trophies and that’s inevitably what I want to do in my career, to win things and be part of a successful team.

“Once I came and spoke to the coaches and a couple of the players, I saw that the culture was great and that’s something I really wanted to be a part of.”

In joining Saracens, Lewington will be competing for the wing berths along with international stars such as David Strettle and Sean Maitland.

But rather than be daunted by the prospect of competing with such talented players for a spot in the starting XV, the 26-year-old believes working with the likes of Strettle and Maitland can help improve his game.

“David and Sean are international players and that’s something I aspire to get to,” added the wing.

“There’s nothing better than training with them every day to see the standard required and what their strengths are. Hopefully we’ll combine together well going into the season.”

Lewington faces a big step up in expectations this year, going from a relegation battle with London Irish to helping Sarries defend their title.

The 26-year-old is confident he can help, though has set himself some personal goals to help him.

“I want to play as regularly as possible, and I think that is the goal of everyone who is here which is why it is such a competitive environment,” he said.

“On top of that, Saracens expect nothing less than to be contention for winning something at the end of the season and that’s a personal goal of mine as well.”