(Photo: Getty Images)
By Gary Fitzgerald
As Chris Wyles heads into rugby retirement, the American flier is convinced the rock-like foundations now in place at Saracens will ensure the London club continue to be England‘s dominant force for years to come.
Wyles and South African hooker Schalk Brits brought the curtain down on their incredible Sarries careers by helping them regain the Premiership title against Exeter last weekend.
Wyles raced over for two of the tries that ensured a seventh trophy in seven years for Mark McCall’s men.
Director of rugby McCall and his coaches have extended their deals and Wyles reckons the future is extremely bright.
Wyles told TRP: “The desire, determination and dedication of the guys at the club is as strong, if not stronger, than ever.
“Add to that the world class talent there is here who look to be staying for a number of years yet, and the future looks as exciting as the recent past and present.
“The coaching staff and owners know that to maintain the high standards and high expectations you have to keep evolving and building on the foundations you already have in place.
“When you combine amazing skill-sets with an insatiable hunger, and steely determination, it creates a great recipe for success.”
Wyles, 34, played in three World Cup earning 54 caps for the USA Eagles, and amassed 43 tries in 178 Sarries appearances.
He insists he has no regrets about deciding to quit the game while he is on top form. “It was a tough decision but the right one for me,” he added.
“I am sad to leave a club which is in such a fantastic place and still improving and developing despite all that has happened recently.
“It’s been an unbelievable time. The double season stands out head and shoulders in terms of achievement – it’s so hard and draining to achieve something like that, the stuff of dreams!
“To do it with a very special group of players was incredible.”