Premiership champions Saracens build squad with addition of Joe Maddock – Rugby news
St. Albans based English professional rugby union side Saracens have strengthened their backs line for their next season campaign with the signing of the versatile New Zealand born backs player, Joe Maddock.
Saracens, also known as the Sarries, are the current 2010/11 Premiership champions. They lifted the Aviva Premiership title after defeating the Leicester Tigers 22 – 18 on May 28 at Twickenham.
Officials confirmed the signing of the former Bath Rugby’s winger and fullback in a statement released on their website on Thursday, June 9. The statement read, “Saracens have further strengthened their squad by signing Joe Maddock.”
Christchurch born Maddock will further add to the already good Sarries Backs line and surely help them in their effort to retain the Premiership title. Commenting on his decision to join the Premiership again, He said, “I am delighted to be returning to
England, and to be joining the champions.”
Maddock started his professional rugby career in New Zealand where he got his chance with Canterbury, a New Zealand Rugby Union’s provincial side. In his first season for Canterbury in 2001, he scored two tries against Buller and Ranfurly to announce himself
in the national circuit.
The 32-year-old Maddock made his Super Rugby debut for New Zealand franchise Crusaders in 2002. He was part of the Crusaders impressive outfit for the 2002 season that remained undefeated in the season and won the 2002 Super Rugby championship title.
Maddock’s impressive performance in the season helped him to earn a call for the New Zealand Maori’s side for their 2003 tour of the England. He scored a try each in the eight games he has played for Maori’s.
At the end of the 2004 season, Maddock joined The Recreation Ground based Bath Rugby. He remained with the Bath Rugby until the end of the 2009/10 season. He made 96 appearances for the Bath Rugby in both domestic and European competitions. Maddock was
the leading try scorer in the 2009/10 Aviva Premiership season.
Maddock will be re joining the premiership after a gap of the year. His last campaign in the 2010/11 season, he played for the Magners League side Benetton Treviso.
Saracens Director of Rugby, Mark McCall has welcomed the signing of the star backs’ player. He said, “Joe was universally admired as the leading try-scorer in the Premiership in 2009/10, and he will bring proven talent, personality and a voice to our backline.”
Maddock said, “I visited the Saracens training ground recently and anybody can see there is a real determination to build a happy, successful and special club, on and off the field. I can’t wait to join the family.” Maddock has expressed hopes that he can
contribute positively in enhancing the club’s performance next season.
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