Del enjoys weighty success

9:14am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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Saracens Player of the Season Richard Haughton has cited weight gain as the main reason for his dazzling displays this season.

The full-back has just signed a new two year deal with the Men in Black and hopes to make it a triple celebration today when the squads for England's summer tours are announced.

The Peckham flyer proved to be one of Sarries' most potent attacking threats in the season just gone and slotted in perfectly as last man when preferred number 15 Brent Russell got injured.

"I'm a lot more resilient and as a result, I'm playing more rugby," said Haughton. "I put on some weight and bulked up a bit at the start of the season and that has meant I've suffered less injuries. Because of that I'm enjoying my rugby and this season the coaches have also given me the added responsibility of playing at full back and that has been good for me.

"That's why I'm really pleased to have signed a new deal. I've been at Saracens for 10 years so this is like a second home to me. It's also an honour to be named Player of the Season as that is something that comes through delivering consistent performances over a season - something I've not done in the past."

Haughton will be glued to his mobile phone today as he awaits the news from England he has been craving.

"The only thing I can do to influence that is to play well for Saracens and I've been pleased with how things have gone this season," he added. "I'll be watching out for the squads and keeping my fingers crossed as will a lot of other guys. Everyone wants to play for their country and I am no different."