Saracens have been no strangers to success in recent years but, for hooker Schalk Brits at least, it’s the off-field mentality that has seen their cabinet bursting with trophies.

As a north Londoner since 2009, the South African has had plenty of time to live in England’s top flight, closing in on 150 appearances for the current Aviva Premiership Rugby and European Rugby Champions Cup holders.

And with the side flying high in both competitions once again, the hooker believes their position is no fluke.

But more than just crediting the plethora of talent at Saracens' disposal, Brits feels it’s the togetherness of the club that deserves the plaudits – something he has seen first-hand since his very first day.

“Saracens have got a long history and heritage, but when I came in it was with a lot of new guys and at that time we wanted to come and make memories, and that’s not something that has changed eight years on,” he said.

“We’ve been quite lucky. The club care about me, my wife and my three boys and I care about them in the same way – that’s why we’ve not lost a lot of players. All they ask for in return is hard work.

“My boys are all quite young and we helped get a crèche at the club, so between training and meetings I play with them and then after training they can come back with me. From a family point of view, that’s fantastic.

“If I walk in here, people ask me about my boys by name and have that genuine care. They don’t just see me as a tool to success or a rugby player; they see me as a person and an essence.”

Brits was speaking at the launch of this year’s Aviva #DriveSafer campaign alongside team-mates Schalk Burger and Richard Wigglesworth.

As part of the campaign, Aviva and all 12 Premiership Rugby clubs are highlighting the dangers of dangerous driving caused by distractions, with a particular focus on the use of mobile phones.

Brits explained that, while the world has shifted to make mobile technology a necessity, that should not be transferred to behind the wheel.

“The Aviva #DriveSafer is so important; it’s fantastic to create awareness of people being safe on the road to avoid unnecessary deaths,” he added.

“We’re glad to be involved and be able to help out. A lot of people see rugby players as doing nothing but play rugby, but we can help promote safe driving and being careful on the road.

Brits has been afforded time on the side-lines recently, with a chance for the younger guys to show what they’re made of in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

It’s a venture that has proved successful, so far at least, with Saracens through to the semi-finals in their bid to defend the crown they won in 2015.

And while that sees them currently boasting a hat-trick of domestic and European titles in their locker, Brits insists that haul is not the only measure of their success.

The 35-year-old continued: “Even though I am not directly involved, we’ve been training hard with everyone during the week to give them a chance to shine.

“It’s great to see the young guys come through and evolving, put their foot down and claim their position. As a Saracens squad we’re always looking to improve our position.

“We don’t just measure on our results. Outside of the squad, people will measure us on the trophies we lift, but we focus on showing what we can do, building the squad, making memories and most importantly having fun on the pitch.”

Saracens are proud to support Aviva, title sponsor of Premiership Rugby, on their #DriveSafer campaign and help raise awareness of dangerous driving. Download the Aviva Drive app to see how safe your driving is at www.aviva.co.uk/car-insurance/drive