Saracens protest innocence as Premiership Rugby investigate potential salary cap breach

Saracens ‘had not shared details of all the co-investment arrangments’ that have been formed between owner Nigel Wray and a number of players including Owen Farrell and Mako Vunipola

Thursday 11 April 2019 03:19 EDT
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Saracens are being investigated by Premiership Rugby over a potential salary cap breach
Saracens are being investigated by Premiership Rugby over a potential salary cap breach (Getty)

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Saracens have protested their innocence over a potential salary cap breach which Premiership Rugby has confirmed it is investigating.

Premiership Rugby is particularly concerned with issues relating to co-investments, and whether such arrangements could constitute a breach.

In a statement, Saracens said: "Unprompted, we invited Premiership Rugby's salary cap manager into the Club to openly discuss matters related to player salaries.

"Whilst co-investments are not part of the salary regulations, we disclosed these transactions in good faith and indeed divulged more information than was necessary.

"Separately, following a minor internal oversight, Premiership Rugby was provided with details relating to some of these agreements.

"We remain confident that we comply with the salary regulations and will continue to support the entrepreneurial spirit and future of our players."

Premiership Rugby confirmed that Saracens have now complied with the requirements relating to the delivery of relevant documentation.

The organisation said in a statement: "Under the Salary Regulations, clubs are required to supply information to the Premiership Rugby Salary Cap Manager on any arrangements between a Connected Party and a Player which might constitute payment or a benefit in kind.

"Saracens had not at the time of recent media speculation shared with the Premiership Rugby Salary Cap Manager details of all the co-investment arrangements between Connected Parties and Players.

England captain Owen Farrell is one player to have co-invested with Nigel Wray
England captain Owen Farrell is one player to have co-invested with Nigel Wray (Getty)

"The information now received from the club and various parties will be reviewed. Premiership Rugby will make no further comment at this stage."

PA

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