Jones and White reunite on the training pitch

Director of Rugby Eddie Jones and Jake White took training on Wednesday with the Springbok World Cup winner admitting he was enjoying being back on the pitch.

White, who is with Sarries this week on a consultancy basis, took the players in a defensive session ahead of Sunday’s Guinness Premiership clash against Worcester Warriors at Vicarage Road, kick off 3pm.

White explained: “It’s great to be out on the pitch again and I’ve really enjoyed being with what are a very hard working bunch of players. Eddie has assembled a very good squad and put in place some excellent structures and I’m just here to see if I can assist with anything I can. Eddie gave us great value with the Springboks at the World Cup last simmer and I’m hoping I can do the same here.“

Jones added: “It’s a very useful exercise to bring in a new coach and have a fresh voice and pair of eyes. It’s also great for our coaching staff in Richard Graham, Alex Sanderson and Paul Gustard to see how Jake works and the players have found it very stimulating.

“He attended the game against London Irish at the weekend and he was able to pick up a few things in terms of our defensive structure and we’ve asked him to work with the players on it this week. When you are coaching full time, it’s very easy to get lost in everything and miss certain aspects so having someone like Jake come in is a great benefit.”

The pair will be coaching the Barbarians next week against Australia at Wembley Stadium after which time White will have a consultancy stint with Toulon.

White added: “The important thing when you go in as a consultant is not to undermine the existing coaches. Eddie and I have a very good friendship so there was no danger of that happening and we talked at length about what we would like to get out of this week.

“I’ve been very impressed with the set-up at Saracens and the work rate of the players. I’ve found the Northern Hemisphere players are all like that and considering they train and play in some terrible weather conditions, it’s a credit to them. 

“This group at Saracens are very exciting and I’ve also been impressed with the likes of Adam Powell, Noah Cato and Andy Saull who have developed well under Eddie this season. These guys are the future of Saracens and it’s important that they and more like them continue to come through the system.”