Nigel Wray has revealed that building his Saracens dream has cost him more money than he ever imagined, but he remains fully committed to the cause of his club being a driving force in the rugby world and beyond.

"When I joined Saracens some six years ago now, I joined because I love the game, played it for 30 years, and Sarries were my local club, a Cinderella club who were always having their players pinched, but were run by really good people whom it would be great to help," he explained.

"If I knew before the amount of money that would have been involved at the start I would never have made the investments in the club I did. But having made it I am pleased as we are building something worthwhile here and something that has, and hopefully continues to have, enormous value to the public.

Well established as sporting innovators, Wray recognises the effect his vibrant club have had on the community.

The multi-millionaire businessman said: "No thanks to me, but the young people at the Saracens have created far more than just a simple rugby club. I cannot accept little of the credit for this.

"I am absolutely astonished and it has gone way beyond the original ideas we had of running the club but we can go a lot further still. The work with the schools, with the hospitals, via charities and with the community at large has been absolutely outstanding.

"To have seen it has been amazing, and has given me real insight into why I am committed to this club."

"I am committed, obviously, to having a Premiership-winning side, a European Cup-winning side believe you me, we all really want that but also to continuing the incredible work that a committed young group of people has done, as I have described previously.

"It's been a real eye-opener and hopefully over the years it can be reproduced more and more times across the country, because it is that important.

"The government fails to comprehend how important sport is in shaping society and in particular the youth of today.

"My philosophy is that the more kids we have playing sport the less likely they are to mug an old lady. You cannot put a value on that."

Wray is also a director on the board at Watford Football Club, who recently agreed a ten-year lease for Saracens to remain as tenants at Vicarage Road.

We're delighted to be committed to Vicarage Road Stadium, and to a partnership with Watford Football Club for the next 15 years at least." said Wray.

WRAY has confirmed that Saracens will be making no further signings, apart from "the imminent" arrival of a French A international prop.

The player had a medical at the Bramley Road training ground last week and is currently in contract negotiations to fill the void left by irish international Paul Wallace, and the impending departure of Julian White.

See The Watford Observer for Kevin Affleck's full interview with Nigel Wray.

June 22, 2001 10:54