Salary cap scandal era my proudest time - McCall

It will be tough again on Saturday.

Exeter, arguably the side that lost out most through Saracens' cheating and among their loudest critics, will host the Londoners at Sandy Park in the final round of the Prem's regular season.

It is a straight shoot-out. Victory will take Exeter into the Prem semi-finals. A bonus-point win would guarantee Saracens that same spot at Chiefs' expense.

Whether McCall's long reign extends to another weekend will be decided by the result.

"I have massive respect for Exeter, especially for what they have done this year," said McCall.

"They came off a really tough season last season and to turn it around in the manner they have, you can only applaud them for that.

"They are a great club. There is obviously a rivalry, but we have been enjoying the last couple of months a lot and our motivation is much more internal to be honest. And I think there is another level we can go to."

Saracens' last couple of months has consisted of five straight wins. Young stars such as scrum-half Charlie Bracken, centre Olly Hartley and wings Tobias Elliot and Noah Caluori have been to the fore.

Tomos Williams, George Martin and Alfie Barbeary - proven Prem talents all - will arrive in the summer.

Since their return to the top flight five years ago, Saracens have collected more points than any other team. But only one title.

Is McCall not tempted to stay on and see if more silverware and a second golden era is in the pipeline?

"No, there is a certain energy you need to do this job and, at times, I have realised that although it is OK, [mine] is not what the team need," he said.

"I think the team need the new energy they are going to get from [incoming director of rugby] Brendan [Venter]."

McCall said his goodbyes to the StoneX Stadium after last Saturday's win over Harlequins. "A lot of fuss" is how he characteristically, but fondly, describes the guard of honour and dressing room send-off., external

McCall's legacy is more than trophies though. A clutch of young coaches have emerged from under his wing to take on jobs elsewhere.

Paul Gustard, currently flying high in the Top 14 with Stade Francais, Sale boss Alex Sanderson and England head coach Steve Borthwick were all proteges.

As he heads out of the hot seat, he would like to see more support for those who follow in his, and their, wake.

"It is a great job, but it is a job like no other, in that it can make you feel self-doubt, make you uncertain. The losses can be hard to bear sometimes," he said.

"I have learned how to deal with that, but younger coaches need more support.

"There is a toll to the job, and I can see that toll on a younger coach sometimes."

McCall is carrying that pressure, purpose and privilege for the final time. If he can carry it all the way to a seventh Premiership title it may be the sweetest victory of the lot.