Aviva Premiership
Borthwick's focus squarely on Sarries
ESPNscrum Staff
May 26, 2011
ESPNscrum Podcast: Aviva Premiership Season Review
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Players/Officials: Steve Borthwick
Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership
Teams: Saracens

Former England captain Steve Borthwick is solely focused on accomplishments with his club side Saracens, saying that disappointments with the national side over the past year have not dampened his spirits.

The 31-year-old no longer even features in Martin Johnson's senior elite squad, having been overtaken by the likes of Tom Palmer, Courtney Lawes, Louis Deacon and Dave Attwood, but will lead Saracens in Saturday's Aviva Premiership final meeting with Leicester.

"Do you think about England when you are playing for Saracens? No. All you think about is being the best you can be and to play as well as you can to help your team-mates," he said.

"It is hugely enjoyable to be part of this group. From the top down the club has created an atmosphere where each player is supported to be the best they can be.

"We have some excellent coaches and a group of players here who are diverse and we have plenty of characters but we are a really tight, close-knit group. There is a fantastic spirit. We have created some great memories and we will be giving our maximum effort on Saturday to get the win."

Borthwick believes that his side will have extra motivation for the final after their late heartbreak at the same stage 12 months ago. Leicester edged out Sarries thanks to a late try from Dan Hipkiss, something Borthwick and his team-mates will use as added incentive. "The experiences we have had - good and bad - have strengthened us. We have pushed on," he said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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