On Tuesday evening, the Mayor of Barnet presented Saracens Rugby Club with The Freedom of the Borough at a ceremony held at the Town Hall.
The Freedom of the Borough is the highest award the London Borough of Barnet Council can give. The award was presented to the chairman of Saracens Rugby Club, Mr Nigel Wray and the reigning champions of the European Cup, in recognition of the club’s sporting success, and for the way in which the club has been able to bring Copthall Stadium (Allianz Park) back into full use by the club and the community.
The event was attended by the Mayor, the Representative Deputy Lieutenant Martin Russell, Chief Executive John Hooton, councillors and civic dignitaries, as well as many distinguished Saracens guests.
In conferring the Honorary Freedom on Saracens Rugby Club, the council formally recorded the high esteem the club is held by the council and the community and recognises its invaluable contribution to the life of the borough.
After presenting the award the Mayor, Councillor Brian Salinger said: “The Freedom of the Borough is the highest accolade the borough can give to a person or organisation and I am delighted that the council unanimously agreed to award this honour to Saracens Rugby Club.”
Nigel Wray, Chairman of Saracens said: “For Saracens to receive the highest honour that Barnet can give, the Freedom of the Borough, not just because of our success on the field – two Premiership Championships, two European Champions Cup wins back to back all whilst in Barnet – but also for the work that the Foundation does in the community, is quite genuinely an honour which is very humbling for us. And we won't let people down. There's much more to be done"