McCall Reflects on Salary Cap Era as 'Proudest' Chapter of Career

Mark McCall’s coaching resume is formidable, boasting six Premiership titles, three Champions Cup victories, and a history of monumental wins. Yet, when asked to identify his most significant achievement, the Saracens director of rugby does not point to the silverware. Instead, he points to the club’s most challenging period. In 2020, at the peak of their dominance, Saracens were relegated from the Premiership and penalized with fines exceeding £5 million due to repeated salary cap breaches.

"That whole episode is weirdly the thing that makes me proudest," McCall revealed to Rugby Union Weekly. "You think you are part of something half decent, but you don't know until you are properly tested."

As the club faced a British and Irish Lions tour for some players and a mandatory stint in the Championship, there was widespread speculation that the squad would disband. However, the core group remained united. Key figures such as Maro Itoje, Jamie George, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly, and brothers Mako and Billy Vunipola committed to serving the single-season relegation. While emerging talents Max Malins and Ben Earl departed for Bristol, their moves were strictly short-term loans.

"Everyone wanted to help us get back on our feet… and that allowed us to become stable again," McCall explained.

Now approaching the conclusion of his 17th and final season at the helm, one of McCall’s most cherished memories stems from that turbulent November 2019. Four days after Premiership Rugby imposed point deductions and massive fines on the club, Saracens traveled to face Gloucester. Deprived of several England stars who had just completed the World Cup final in Japan, the visitors’ stand-in lineup faced a hostile reception.

In the Shed stand, Gloucester supporters waved fake £50 notes at the team and chanted, "Same old Sarries, always cheating," in response to every officiating decision. Despite the animosity and an understrength roster, Saracens managed to secure a victory.

"We were understrength, walking into the lions' den. It was tough and that performance and that win will be something I remember forever," McCall recalled.

The intensity returns this Saturday as Saracens face Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park in the final round of the regular Premiership season. Exeter, long regarded as one of the primary victims of Saracens’ financial misconduct and a vocal critic of the club, hosts the match in a decisive showdown. A win for Exeter secures their place in the Premiership semi-finals, while a bonus-point victory for Saracens would secure their own semi-final spot, finishing ahead of the Chiefs.

This result will also determine whether McCall’s tenure extends beyond this weekend.

"I have massive respect for Exeter, especially for what they have done this year," McCall stated. "They came off a really tough season last season and to turn it around in the manner they have, you can only applaud them for that. They are a great club."

Acknowledging the historic rivalry, McCall noted that the team’s current motivation is internally driven. "We have been enjoying the last couple of months a lot... And I think there is another level we can go to."

Saracens have won five consecutive matches recently, with young talents like scrum-half Charlie Bracken, centre Olly Hartley, and wingers Tobias Elliot and Noah Caluori stepping up. The club has also secured proven Premiership talents Tomos Williams, George Martin, and Alfie Barbeary for the upcoming summer.

Since their promotion back to the top flight five years ago, Saracens have accumulated more points than any other team, yet they have won only one title. With incoming director of rugby Brendan Venter set to take over, McCall has decided not to extend his contract.

"No, there is a certain energy you need to do this job and, at times, I have realised that although it is OK, [mine] is not what the team need," he said. "I think the team need the new energy they are going to get from Brendan Venter."

McCall formally said his goodbyes to the StoneX Stadium following the victory over Harlequins last Saturday.

Match Details: * Fixture: Exeter Chiefs v Saracens * Competition: Premiership Final Round * Date: Saturday, 6 June * Kick-off: 15:15 BST * Venue: Sandy Park * Coverage: Live radio commentary on Sports Extra 3 and BBC Sounds; live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-04 11:30:37 UTC