Saracens Rugby Club was awarded Freedom of the Borough in recognition of their success and contribution to the community.

Chairman Nigel Wray received the honour of the Freedom of Barnet on behalf of the club as the Mayor, Cllr Brian Salinger lavished praise on the two-time European champions.

Cllr 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.”

As well as their success, both in Europe and domestically, Saracens were praised for bringing the facilities around its home ground – Allianz Park – back into the heart of the community.

Mr Wray said the club would continue to work for everyone both on and off the field and that it was delighted to have been recognised in this manner.

He 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 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.”