Saracens skipper wants European success

Sarries claimed a first-ever English title at the end of May by beating reigning champions and European heavyweights Leicester Tigers at Twickenham, 12 months after losing to the same opposition in the country's domestic finale.

But while being crowned Kings of England was a massive milestone for the London club, Borthwick now wants to see similar success on the continent.

Having been drawn in a group of death alongside Leinster, ASM Clermont Auvergne and Racing Metro 92 last time out, Sarries recorded just a single victory in their first Heineken Cup campaign since their semi-final appearance of 2008.

They will be hoping for a better showing this season as they take on Biarritz Olympique, Benetton Treviso and the Ospreys in Pool 5, with Borthwick stressing the importance of seeking to replicate their domestic joys on an even bigger stage.

We continue to strive to be the best team that we can and improve on what we did last season.

"We learnt from our Heineken Cup experience last year where some areas of our game perhaps hadn't been exposed as much in the Premiership," said the Sarries skipper.

"We learnt from those experiences to be a better side in the latter part of the season. The challenge now is to compete in Europe as well as the Premiership.

"We've strengthened our squad. Our director of rugby's made some astute signings and the challenge is to improve."

One of those astute signings Borthwick mentions is South African legend John Smit.

The Springboks' World Cup winning captain will join the Vicarage Road outfit after the end of the forthcoming global gathering in New Zealand and Borthwick is convinced he will have a major impact at the Club.

"He brings a wealth of experience as one of the world's best players. He's also one of the world's best captains," added Borthwick.

"To bring all of that experience to strengthen such a key, specialist position and having a player of his ability and a person of his quality as part of the group is a great acquisition for us."