Mark McCall bows out at StoneX as Saracens keep play-off push alive

Mark McCall acclaimed Saracens’ winning habit as his final appearance at StoneX Stadium ended in a 26-12 victory over Harlequins that puts them on the brink of qualification for the Gallagher Prem play-offs.

McCall’s 17 years at Saracens, 15 of them as director of rugby, have produced six Prem titles and three European crowns and he now has sight of one more trophy with next Saturday’s clash with Exeter a shoot-out for fourth place.

The 58-year-old is stepping down at the end of the season and will mark his 573rd match in charge, which was attended by friends and family, with a glass of white white.

Saracens’ fifth successive win propelled them into the top four for the first time since November and McCall said: “It’s never been about one person. It’s never been about me, ever.

“The most important thing today (Saturday) was what happened on the field. We’ve worked incredibly hard over the last six or seven weeks to make this game important.

“It probably wasn’t our best performance but we got the job done and it’s a new habit, a good habit that we’ve got now that we find a way in matches.

“We’re on this lovely run at the moment and every game presents a different kind of challenge.

“We’ve worked really hard and enjoyed ourselves over the last six or seven weeks. It looked impossible but we had Sale away in April to start this run that we’re on. That’s five in a row and it’s been a lot of fun.”

McCall has yet to reveal his plans when his time at Saracens has finished

“It feels like so much has happened in the last 17 years and it has. So much. But it also feels like it’s gone in the blink of an eye,” he said.

“I’m lucky that I ended up here when I ended up here. Sometimes there’s fortune involved in where your career takes you and the people that you end up with.

“There’s quite a lot of our staff and our playing group that I’ve spent my last 17 years with. They’re a brilliant group and I’m very lucky to have finished up here.”

Harlequins are battling with Sale and Gloucester to finish in the top eight and secure the final Investec Champions Cup place that comes with it.

They host Northampton next Saturday and head coach Jason Gilmore has called for a strong finish to a disappointing season.

“We’ve set the mark of the Champions Cup, that’s been our focus for a few weeks now, but also pride in the shirt,” Gilmore said.

“We’re playing big teams to finish the season – knocked Exeter over at home and I thought we went toe-to-toe with Sarries in this game.

“Northampton next week – what a way to finish at the Stoop. We don’t just want to be in the game, but to win it as well. We’ll dust ourselves off and get ready for next week.”