HUGH TIZARD

Saracens have helped the budding lock become a more complete player

- Alan Pearey

PLAY-OFF TIME, plus ça change. Saracens are there again, their 12th time in a row if you discount the two seasons they were sidelined for cheating the cap. A year ago they brushed past Harlequins but a young opponent caught their eye. This time second-row Hugh Tizard is lining up for Sarries.

Jamie George called him an “absolute steal” when they signed him and the affection is mutual. “I’m loving it here. I’ve no regrets at all,” says Tizard. “I’ve enjoyed moving house, great lads, they’ve welcomed me so well. I’m loving the rugby we’re playing and loving how successful we’ve been.”

Tizard was often used as a strike runner off lineouts at Quins, and hugely effective he was too. But it meant sacrificing his education in the lineout, something that has changed since his switch of club.

“It’s been better for me that I’ve been doing the lineouts all year. I’ve learnt a lot from Maro (Itoje) around the set-piece. He’ll go through my jumps with me, I’m learning techniques. Hopefully it’s becoming an area that in a few years can be a real strength of mine. Defence too he’s a massive help, learning little tactics he has.”

Perhaps there have been fewer attention-grabbing moments but the former Cranleigh School pupil is maturing. Forwards coach Ian Peel is his main port of call and Tizard calls him “outstanding”. He has lost a few kilos, down from the 127kg he was a year ago, to help cope with the increased demands.