Saracens docked 35 points and fined for breaching salary cap rules

English champions Saracens have been given a 35-point deduction and fined £5.36 million (US$6.92 million) after they were found guilty of breaching salary cap regulations, Premiership Rugby (PRL) said on Tuesday.

British media reported the breaches related to England internationals such as Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje, Mako and Billy Vunipola entering into business partnerships with club chairman Nigel Wray.

“Saracens Rugby Club failed to disclose payments to players in each of the seasons 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19,” Premiership Rugby said in a statement: “In addition, the club is found to have exceeded the ceiling for payments to senior players in each of the three seasons.

“The Salary Cap Regulations stipulate that a points deduction may be imposed in the current season (2019-20) only. The sanction has no bearing on any other domestic or European competition.”

Saracens said they were “shocked and disappointed” by the sanctions and confirmed they would appeal the disciplinary panel’s findings.

“The club is pleased the panel acknowledged it did not deliberately attempt to breach the salary cap and steadfastly maintains that player co-investments do not constitute salary under the regulations,” the club said in a statement.

“This view is supported by independent legal and professional experts. The club will continue to vigorously defend this position especially as PRL precedent already exists whereby co-investments have not been deemed part of salary in the regulations.”