Segun’s late try seals Saracens’ 40-38 win at Leicester

Rotimi Segun scored a late try as Saracens began their Premiership Rugby season with a 40-38 away victory over Leicester on Sunday. The result came after a match in which the lead changed several times and Saracens played part of the second half with 14 men. Back-row forward Nick Isiekwe received a 20-minute red card after making head-on contact with Freddie Steward.

Saracens started quickly, with Juan Martin Gonzalez crossing in the second minute after a pass from Tomos Williams. Tobias Elliott added a second try before 10 minutes had elapsed. Leicester responded through Gabriel Hamer-Webb, but Elliot Daly scored for Saracens, who led 21-12 at half-time.

Hamer-Webb later completed a hat-trick, while Ben Earl scored for the visitors. Leicester moved ahead for the first time when Adam Radwan finished after Jack van Poortvliet’s cross-field kick. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Saracens regained the lead when Segun collected Daly’s precise kick across the field.

Leicester went back in front through replacement James Thompson, who forced his way over from close range. Segun then slid over for his second decisive score, securing victory with seven minutes remaining. The win also gave Brendan Venter a successful start to his second spell as Saracens’ director of rugby.