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After 15 years and 287 appearances, Saturday's game against Bristol will be my final match for Saracens.
The game will be taking place at Stadium MK due to Watford's involvement in the play-offs, and although it may not be the ideal way to finish up, I am now really looking forward to the game. The most important thing for me is that I will be sharing the day with my teammates, friends, family, and the Saracens fans who have supported me so well over the years, and that's how I always wanted it.
I'll also be able to share the day with my friends and family and some of the guys I first started playing rugby with at Salisbury RFC all those years ago and that will make it even more special.
But it's not all about me. From a team perspective, it's important to end on a positive note after what has been a very up and down period. It's very flattering to get the attention I've received in the past few weeks and read some of the nice things that are being said, but I'm very clear and will emphasise that this weekend is not about me or the other players and management who are moving on at the end of the season. It's is about the team and nothing will give me greater satisfaction than getting a good result.
You will also see at the weekend two very exciting youngsters who are coming through the ranks at Saracens. Alex Goode and Noah Cato are both starting the game and make sure you watch out for those names in the years to come because they have the potential to go a long way in the game.
It's difficult to know how our opponents Bristol will approach this match, but those who know the other Richard Hill - the older one who coaches Bristol - will be aware that he always gets the best out of his team.
I did actually turn out for Bristol a couple of times in what was effectively a regional select XV at the time with the likes of Darren Crompton and Mark Regan while I was at Salisbury. If things had turned out differently in terms of my further education and being based in London, there is no doubt I could have been playing out my career in the West Country.
It's somewhat ironic that my last game will come against the other Richard Hill. We've been mistaken quite a lot through the years - right through from the wrong pictures in newspapers even to the wrong cheques being sent through the post by the RFU!
I'm hoping it will be a great day and please excuse me if I shed a few tears, but when I walk off the pitch and take off my Saracens jersey for the last time, I will be a proud man, having represented this great Club and its fantastic supporters.
All the best
Club History
The Saracens name can be traced back to the famous desert warriors led by Saladin in the late 12th century. They were renowned for their extreme mobility, and powers of endurance, which when allied to their bountiful enthusiasm, rendered the Saracens invincible.
Founded in 1876 by the Old Boys of the Philological School in Marylebone (later to become Marylebone Grammar School), the Saracens Football Club's first fixture was at Primrose Hill playing fields, wearing the red star and crescent.
Throughout the history of the club, the belief that rugby should be enjoyed has been gained and maintained. It is a great social event, giving rise to many friendships. The introduction of Professionalism in 1995 has enabled the club to grow further, building on the values of the past, whilst playing the type of rugby to attract future generations.
Great Entertainment
The Saracens Matchday Experience has long been heralded as the one where it all started. Music and entertainment are now common place in rugby union in England, certainly adding something special, and it was back in 1997 on their move to Vicarage Road Stadium that Saracens first introduced such elements.
The fun starts an hour before kick off, typically with local junior sides showing off their Tag Rugby skills on the hallowed turf. For one lucky youngster, the day really is a dream come true as they get to meet their heroes and lead the team out of the tunnel and on to the pitch. The players are very accessible and fans young and old can be sure to get close to their heroes on a matchday.
Eighty minutes of passionate, action-packed rugby follows, with all the key moments replayed on the Big Screen. The crowd play a huge part and really lift the players.
Vicarage Road Stadium is a fantastic facility with 20,000 covered seats, a superb pitch, refreshments available in every stand, easily accessible through private and public transport, just 20 minutes from London by train, and around five minutes from the M1/M25. With great facilities, an ever-growing spirit in the stands, dedication and commitment on the pitch, a matchday with the "Men in Black" is a great afternoon for everyone.
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