Saracens Creating More Problems For Themselves

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I can't believe the situation with Saracens Rugby Club could get any worse, but it has. This week the club decided to choose relegation at the end of this season than to open up their books.

Saracens breached the wage cap imposed on clubs in English Rugby and got away with this for a number of years.Thinking they were above the law with smart ways of touting the laws. Players were being paid into "extra" business accounts such as property investments and were caught out.

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The wage cap is set at 5 Million pounds and Saracens were reported to be a good 2 Million over that as they have a squad full of England players. The club accepted the large fine and the 35 points they were docked this season.

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New Chairman Neil Golding has to sort the mess out now.

The 35 points is something the club could live with as they are good enough to still stay up with that massive disadvantage. The problem came now as they still haven't reduced the wage bill as other clubs don't want to take on their over priced stars possibly putting themselves in danger of breaching the wage cap.

Saracens were offered a lifeline which they turned down. Hand back the trophies won over the last few seasons and turn your books over for a full audit. They rejected this as everyone knows it isn't just a reported 2 Million over the wage gap and a hell of a lot more.

The England Rugby Board had no option but to relegate the star studded team for next season. The Rugby board was fully in it's rights as they should be docked another 35 points for breaching the rules.

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Two players that have to go as I am sure they are responsible for a large chunk of the wage bill.
Saracens should have collectively reduced their wage bill immediately when the fine was imposed but the England players involved should have come forward. Other clubs in England will not pay the wages they are on currently and should have worked with the club as pay cuts will happen if they stay or move anyway.

Saracens only option is to either sell their key players for a reduced fee or loan them out to clubs for next season. The club is currently in the European Cup but they won't be allowed to play in the tournament next year even if they are the defending champions.

England may have to change policy if the majority of players are forced to play in France or Japan next season. The problem being is no English club can afford them as they are clearly overpaid. England's selection policy currently only picks players playing in England. Will they backtrack if over half of the England test tam is forced to move elsewhere?

Saracens disrespected everyone by what they have done and blatantly cheated breaking the rules.I have no sympathy for the club or the players and have lost total disrespect for all of them. No one is above the game itself and the likes of Owen Farrell and co need to seriously look in the mirror and wake up.