Freshfields partner Neil Golding Credit: Saracens.com

A Freshfields partner has been appointed as the new chairman of London rugby club Saracens.

Disputes partner Neil Golding is to take the helm, succeeding retiring chairman Nigel Wray, the club said in a statement.

Saracens is among the country's biggest and most successful rugby clubs, having won the premiership title five times.

Golding, meanwhile, is a Freshfields lifer, according to his LinkedIn profile, having started at the Magic Circle firm as a trainee in 1990. He joined the partnership in 2000 and during his time at the firm has acted for names including Big Four firm EY and consulting firm Kroll.

At Saracens, Golding will oversee new governance measures and regulatory compliance, according to the club.

In a statement, Golding said of his appointment: "It is an honour to be appointed chairman of Saracens. The success of this great club is rooted in its commitment to the development of talent through its coaches and academy system, player welfare and making a positive impact within its community to create lasting memories.

In 2013, former Freshfields partner Tim Jones was appointed as England Rugby 2015′s general counsel. Jones, who served as Freshfields London managing partner until 2011 led the firm's advisory team to the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games.