After what seems a lifetime, Premiership Rugby has finally brought the endless amounts of speculation to an end tonight. They confirmed what has been widely reported; Saracens relegation at the end of the 2019/20 season.
In a statement released by Darren Childs, Chief Executive of Premiership Rugby, the London club’s future has at last been decided after they were found to have breached the salary cap regulations and seemingly failed to address the situation.
In his statement, Childs focused on making it clear that “Premiership Rugby is prepared to strong action so that there is fair competition between its clubs”. Childs said: “Premiership Rugby is prepared to take strong action to enforce the regulations governing fair competition between our clubs.”
” At the conclusion of dialogue with Saracens about their compliance with the Salary Cap Regulations, it has been decided that Saracens will be relegated at the end of this season.”
As well as confirming that Sarries will be relegated, Childs also went on to add that there will be an open consolation in due course where those involved in the game can contribute to the future.
Childs added; “As part of this process, we will soon be announcing an open consultation so that everyone involved in the game has the opportunity to contribute to its future.”
Saracens will be relegated from the premiership, confirms @premrugbyhttps://t.co/fpqaIws3IC
— Premiership Rugby (@LWOS_PremRugby) January 18, 2020
”The actions that we have taken – dealing with breaches of the current regulations and reviewing the system for the future – will help us to build a stronger league and uphold the confidence of supporters.”
Having not heard a peep from Saracens throughout the investigation, there will no hiding from this news. However, at the time of writing, Sarries are yet to comment publicly on the news that their club will be automatically relegated at the end of the season.
In light of recent media reports, the Club confirms it is engaged in constructive dialogue with PRL.
We are unable to pass further comment at this time.
— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) January 18, 2020
Premiership Rugby confirms Saracens relegation – 2020/21 season
A decision has been arrived at. The public informed. What does come as a surprise, is that they would announce that the club would be relegated on the eve of their Heineken Champions Cup game against Racing 92.
Whatever your thoughts on the whole saga, it’s clear that Premiership Rugby are not messing around, and while many will claim Sarries have got what they deserved, there will now be a lot of Sarries fans wondering what is next for their club.
One thing that is for sure, Saracens will continue to play out the rest of the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership regardless of this latest blow, in what will go down as the biggest ‘fall of a giant’ in English Rugby history.
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