England’s erstwhile champion club Saracens will be playing in the Championship next season after repeatedly failing to adhere to the Premiership’s salary cap. The club’s players were informed on Friday that the club’s management had decided to accept a further 35-point deduction after coming under renewed pressure to demonstrate they are currently operating under the salary cap. Premiership Rugby have yet to confirm the situation officially but the Guardian has learned that Saracens players’ were told of the unprecedented development at a breakfast time meeting. It is a shattering comedown for a group of players who have been the dominant force in English and European club rugby in recent times. Patience, however, has run out among those who have long believed – and now know for certain – Saracens were not abiding by the salary cap regulations.

Source: The Guardian January 17, 2020 07:52 UTC