7th September 2005
Issued on behalf of Saracens
Hooker Shane Byrne is already looking forward to making his home debut for Saracens at Vicarage Road against Leeds Tykes on Sunday 11th September - kick off 3pm.

Byrne joined the Men In Black during the summer after a long and successful career with Leinster, but now he is itching to make his debut at Vicarage Road.

Tickets for the game against Leeds Tykes are on sale now and it's a chance to welcome back the Men In Black to Vicarage Road for the first time since they clinched a place in the Heineken Cup at the end of last season.

But the game against Leeds, who have been boosted during the summer by new signing and All Black legend Justin Marshall, won't be Byrne's first at Vicarage Road.

"I played at Vicarage Road a few years ago in a pre-season game," he explained. "I have to admit I'm really looking forward to it. I know it's a good stadium, has a super playing surface and is a great family day out."

The Irish international hooker spent the summer on duty with the British & Irish Lions and joined up with his Saracens team mates at the beginning of August - getting his first taste of competitive action against Wasps last weekend.

He added: "I had a bit of a break after the Lions, but when you start to get back into the full swing of things on the training pitch, you just want to start playing rugby again. I've been looking forward to the season starting - and having the chance to make my home debut against Leeds. We didn't have a pre-season friendly at Vicarage Road, but that will just add to the experience of the day and if I play I will enjoy it even more."