Premiership Rugby announced on Wednesday a new four-year deal to stage regular-season games in the US, starting, as previously reported in the Guardian, with Saracens – “the Manchester United of rugby” – against Newcastle in Philadelphia on 16 September.
Mavi Boncuk |
Saracens were founded in 1876 by the Old Boys of the Philological School in Marylebone, London (later to become St Marylebone Grammar School). The club's name is said to come from the "endurance, enthusiasm and perceived invincibility of Saladin's desert warriors of the 12th century". The fact that their local rivals were called the Crusaders may also have been a factor. The Crescent and Star appearing in the club's emblem are reminiscent of those appearing on the flag of Ottoman.
Saracens amalgamated with neighbouring club Crusaders two years later. Nickname: Sarries, The Men in Black, Wolf Pack, Fez Boys