Charlie Hodgson hails Saracens centre duo
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Saracens fly-half Charlie Hodgson has heaped praise on the centre pairing of Brad Barritt and Owen Farrell.
Barritt, 25, and Farrell, 20, helped Sarries to a fifth consecutive victory against Newcastle on Sunday.
"There's amazing competition for places now, you mention those guys and it's a pleasure to play inside them," Hodgson told BBC Three Counties Radio.
"Brad does a lot of hard work which goes unnoticed and Owen is very, very mature, beyond his years really."
Farrell, son of former England centre Andy, has represented his country at under-16 and under-18 level, while South African-born Barritt has England Saxons caps.
"They've both definitely got a bright future. They've had opportunities and taken it with both hands," 30-year-old Hodgson added.
Hodgson continued his improvement since arriving at Saracens from Sale, kicking 10 of his side's 25 points against Falcons, to take his tally for the season to 54.
"I'm really enjoying my time here, it was difficult coming in later than most people because I was at the England World Cup camp," he explained.
"But everybody's made me feel very welcome and it's so far so good."
Meanwhile, director of rugby Mark McCall has hinted Hodgson and other experienced players, could be rested for Saturday's LV=Cup clash at Northampton.
"I think a lot of the older players, who have had a lot of game time, we'll definitely rest," he explained.
"After the Anglo-Welsh games we've got 13 Heineken Cup and Premiership games in a row, so we've got to look after our squad."
