Sarries salary drama to be ‘swept under carpet’
FeArS are growing among leading club officials that Premiership rugby are preparing to mount a cover-up at the conclusion of their investigation into potential salary- cap breaches by Saracens.
The domestic and european champions have had their financial affairs scrutinised since revelations in Sportsmail this year that owner nigel Wray has been jointly investing in businesses and properties with several leading players.
Saracens and Wray are adamant regulations have not been contravened, but rivals have been determined to ensure they are investigated thoroughly and that, if found guilty, they are punished accordingly.
however, sources have now revealed grave concerns that the matter will be ‘swept under the carpet’. Last week, at a conference attended by Premiership chief executives, the salary- cap investigation was not on the official agenda, but it is understood that it was a hot topic of informal discussions and that speculation is rife about PrL’s intentions.
One source told Sportsmail: ‘They are worried. There’s definitely something going on which people are trying to hide.’
It is thought that while some clubs have other pressing priorities, the vast majority remain hell-bent on ensuring that justice is done, if it is concluded that regulations have been breached. In theory, in the event of being found guilty, Saracens could face a points deduction, as well as financial penalties.
But the last such significant episode a few years ago led to a secretive outcome and another cover-up is seen as a very real threat, with every day and week that passes without any updates.
Behind the scenes, this is an issue generating considerable unrest — amid a desire to create a level playing field in financial terms.