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Tompkins: Saracens are ‘chasing perfection’ as they begin title defences
Saracens' Nick Tompkins (right) in action against Wasps last season. Pic: PA - Credit: EMPICS Sport
Nick Tompkins says Saracens are “chasing perfection” as they start the defence of their Premiership and European titles with a league clash against Worcester at Twickenham on Saturday.
The Hendon-based club will be striving to emulate Leicester Tigers’ back-to-back domestic and continental successes in 2001 and 2002 – and 21-year-old centre Tompkins and his team-mates are raring to go.
“We’ve had new players in – people like Sean Maitland – and it almost feels fresh,” he told Ham&High Sport. “I think the message has been that this really is a new season and it’s about creating more memories.
“Yes, what’s [happened in the] past is fantastic. But I think a lot of players, from the end of the final whistle in the Premiership final, kind of wanted more.
“It shows that the relentless attitude that a lot of these coaches have, we have as well. You just want to have the attitude that it’s never enough, and chasing that perfection.
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“This season is very much everyone’s for the taking and we’ve definitely got our hands full with a lot of good clubs like Wasps. Harlequins have made good signings and Worcester’s no different.
“I think there’s just an excitement and real hunger from everyone – myself included, trying to get in that first team and trying to be a regular or, if that’s not the case, trying to do anything I can to make sure we get the wins and we’re back in the same situation we were in last year.”
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Tompkins recently signed a new three-year contract at Saracens, and he added: “The year we had last year was amazing. The words do get thrown about a lot about this club being special and like a family and loving each other – it really is the case.
“For me, being treated unbelievably well and having the people that are here – the coaches that are here, that have all committed their futures here – honestly it’s a no brainer. I don’t think any other club really came into my mind because of how much I’ve been here, how much I love it.”
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