Saracens star Max Malins admits that his desire to play at full-back was the driving force behind his move to Bristol Bears ahead of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final.

The 26-year-old, who looks set to feature against Sale Sharks, will rejoin the West Country club at the end of the season having spent the 2020-21 season on loan there.

Malins was prolific at Ashton Gate, crossing the whitewash 18 times in 19 matches as Bears won a maiden European title and finished top in the regular season Gallagher Premiership Rugby table.

And despite continuing that form upon his return to North London, Malins believes a run at full-back is what is best for his career.

"That was a big factor in my decision-making,” he said.

"It’s where I can showcase my skills the most. Bristol offered it to me and made it clear I’d be their fullback.

"Here you’ve got Alex Goode and Elliot Daly, who also play there and are world-class players.

"The leaver's dinner was an emotional evening.

"Not only myself but others leaving as well. Big names like Jackson Wray and Duncan Taylor.

"It was a very nice evening and you could see the emotion.”

Malins scored as Saracens beat Northampton Saints 38-15 to book their place at Twickenham this weekend.

The versatile back has been crucial to Mark McCall's rejuvenated attack, with Saracens operating far more freely going forward during the 2022/23 season.

And Malins hopes the Men in Black can be brave with the ball in hand against Sharks on Saturday.

He added: "I’ve loved it.

"We sort of just changed our mindset. It’s not too big a shift. We changed our mindset to be open to opportunity.

"Looking back at that final last year, we very much got sucked into Leicester’s game and closed ourselves off to anything.

"There was a big emphasis during the preseason to open ourselves up to opportunity. If we see it and believe its on we go for it. It takes a bit more bravery and a bit more courage in games like a final to continue doing it. Hopefully we can keep that going into the weekend."