Michael Rhodes has reflected on an “amazing time” at Saracens as he prepares to leave the club.

After six years, 106 appearances, three Premiership trophies and three European Cups, the flanker is leaving the club.

Speaking in a final interview for the Sarries website, he said he had grown as a player and been happy playing his rugby with Saracens.

“I’ve grown hugely since I arrived here,” he said.

“The coaches have really helped me on the technical side of the game, and playing in a team full of world class players raises your game naturally so it’s a testament to the environment that it makes you better.

“My family have been hugely happy here. Everyone gets together, and off the field they have felt at home just like I have. The club puts a lot of emphasis on these kind of things so I have to thank them for that.

“I’ve had my two boys here and they absolutely love coming to training. They know all the lads by their first names and feel like they are mates which is amazing.”

Rhodes went on to thank both the supporters and his teammates, as well as his coaches who “got the best” out of him.

“It’s been an amazing time,” he said. “On the field the club has been very successful and I’ve been part of some great times so it’s been an unbelievable experience. I’ve played in some unforgettable places, and rugby wise it has been second to none so I couldn’t have asked for any more.

“There are too many people to thank but I’ve been extremely lucky to have played with such a high quality team and I’m eternally grateful for being a part of this.

“The coaches have played a huge role and helped me to develop and get the best out of me. The medical staff have kept me going one way or the other and pieced my body back together.

“I want to say a massive thank you to the fans for the way they have welcomed me, the away support all over Europe was incredible and recently they have stuck behind us in tough times.

“The biggest one is to the players. It’s an unbelievable privilege to come to work every day with your mates. I’m lucky to have been a part, it’s meant a lot to me and my family and I will never forget them.”