MY DAY OFF… COFFEE ROASTING WITH BRAD BARRITT
THE SCARS of a decade and a half of facial combat are hidden pretty well under low light. But under harsh camera lights, a map of scar-tissue emerges on the face of Saracens’ defensive lynchpin Brad Barritt. It begs the question: how many stitches has a man who puts his mush on the line week in, week out accrued over the years?
Looking up as he does a mental tally, he proffers: “Probably over 1,000.” Once the gasps have quietened, he adds: “There was a period at high school where I had the same area stitched seven weekends in a row. Around my left eye, I’ve had a fourth plate inserted in my cheek,” he says, matter-of-factly.
He lifts his chin to show another mass of scars. “The designer stubble helps,” he quips. “Over the years I think the pain becomes more manageable.”
“I’ve always been aware rugby has a limited lifespan”
With the day job a health hazard, it’s unsurprising Barritt has engaged his grey
