Exeter look like the bookies’ favourites to life title next spring

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GLOUCESTER’S odds have shortened to 6/1 second favourites to win the Premiership since it emerged that Saracens are facing a 35-point deduction.

The Cherry and Whites were 20/1 at the start of the season and have won two of their first three games but the punishment that is due to be dished out to defending champions Saracens has caused a seismic shift.

They started the season as 11/10 favourites but have now drifted to 16/1 with their hopes of finishing in the top four looking virtually impossible if Premiership Rugby’s decision, which also included a £5.36m fine, is upheld.

The punishment has been suspended with Saracens due to appeal so, after the weekend win at Kingsholm, they currently sit in third place on 13 points, one point behind Northampton Saints and leaders Bristol Bears, with their international stars now returning following the World Cup.

Exeter have replaced Saracens as favourites and are odds-on to win their second title at 8/11. They have been beaten by the Barnet-based club in the final at Twickenham in the last two seasons. Like Gloucester, early pacesetters Northampton are rated 6/1 to win the title with bookmakers, down from 25/1 at the start of the season. Sale, who were rated 33/1 outsiders when the fixtures were announced in July, complete the expected top four at 8/1 to be crowned champions. Saracens’ odds are likely to change once the outcome of any appeal has been determined.