Fans' message to Premiership Rugby: Audit all the clubs now, not just Saracens
Despite accepting their £5.36million fine and a 35-point deduction in the Gallagher Premiership, Saracens’ problems do not seem over.
This comes after The Times newspaper revealed that the reigning English and European champions could be subjected to a mid-season audit by Premiership Rugby.
That audit is something RugbyPass has since learned the club are willing to allow happen, voluntarily open its doors to official scrutiny.
It is expected that Premiership Rugby Ltd, the umbrella organisation for England’s top flight, will be given the chance to ‘view the books’ through their official auditors.
Saracens were punished for failing to disclose player payments over the past three seasons which related to co-investments between players and chairman Nigel Wray.
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The club have now insisted they are complying with salary cap regulations this season, but many fans have reacted by insisting that the rest of the clubs in the Premiership should also be audited in the name of fairness.
These are obviously mitigating circumstances, which is why Saracens have been singled out, but regardless of what they have been accused of doing, some feel that it is unfair that they are the only side that are forced to be transparent.
Furthermore, with a number of sides chastising the three-time Champions Cup winners for what they have done, they will surely feel they have nothing to hide.
Of course, many have been keen to retort that no other club has been punished or even investigated for eight months regarding salary cap breaches.
It is for that reason why Sarries should be the only team that are forced into this position. That point is valid, but it has not stopped many people demanding the same treatment for all teams across England.
Given their success in England and Europe over recent years and their impressive squad depth, questions had always lingered over the London side.
However, while this salary cap investigation has been an eye-opening ordeal for them, many feel other teams should be scrutinised in the same way.
WATCH: Going Pro, the behind the scenes RugbyPass documentary with the Saracens women's team
Latest Comments
Ben Smith you really make some good points in this article, the Springboks were not close to perfect and good still beat the All Blacks, imagine if they were as good as they were against France what a hiding the All Blacks would have gotten… maybe another Twickenham drubbing
Go to commentsIt is a good argument to keep the Rebels for one more year but also isnt this just opening the door as well for keeping them beyond 2025. If they can create some sort of financial stability in the next year and if their performances lift as they have this season then how would RA even cull them after that? It might be the most cost effective decision at this stage and perhaps many people are guilty of keeping relationships going because of the cost to decouple but then again when does that ever work out well?
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