Saracens confident over appeal against sanctions for breaching salary cap rules

Premiership Rugby handed the reigning champions a maximum 35-point deduction and a fine of more than £5m after a seven-month investigation

Saracens are confident they will be successful in an official review of the sanctions imposed upon the club following a breach of salary cap rules.

Premiership Rugby (PRL) handed the reigning champions a maximum 35-point deduction and a fine of more than £5m after a seven-month investigation found the club failed to disclose property co-investments between the owner Nigel Wray and key players including England captain Owen Farrell over the past three seasons.

Saracens are preparing an appeal against the sanctions which the club deemed “heavy-handed” in a statement, and The Independent understands that despite planning for a worst-case scenario – 35 points docked and a Premiership survival battle – there is a confidence among players and staff at the club that an appeal – which has yet to be formally submitted – would be successful.

The Independent also understands Premiership Rugby is not expecting a legal challenge from rival clubs, most notably Exeter Chiefs who finished runners-up to Sarries in both of the past two Premiership finals.

Exeter’s chief executive Tony Rowe said the judgement had left “a nasty taste”, adding: “If you’re in sport and you get beaten fair and square that’s fine, but then to find out that your opponents have actually cheated, it’s not good.” But regulations make clear that punishment can only be applied to the current season (2019-20), meaning Sarries’ previous titles cannot be reversed, and the PRL is not expecting a formal challenge.

Saracens’ hope of reviewing their sanctions could take several approaches, including an argument that the punishment was too severe for misdemeanours which were not deemed deliberate attempts to flout the rules. The club could also claim that the rules around co-investments are unclear, or that the inherent risk of property investment does not constitute payment.

PRL said in a statement: “Under the Regulations, Saracens Rugby Club has the ability to seek a review of the decision by an arbitration body. The review can only be on the basis that there has been an error of law, the decision is irrational or that there has been some procedural unfairness. In the event that Saracens Rugby Club seeks a review, the sanctions will be suspended pending the outcome of that review.”