Saracens may bid for Euro defence
SARACENS’ stunning 25-17 victory over Leinster in Dublin has opened up the distinct possibility of the London club being able to retain their European Cup crown.
And if they were to do that, winning it for a fourth time, their fans will mount a compelling argument for them to be able to defend that title next season.
Heineken Cup regulations state that if the champions come from outside the eight qualified teams from the Gallagher Premiership, they should be admitted to the 2020/21 competition as the second placed club.
Saracens, of course have been demoted to the Championship next season because of their salary cap transgressions. But they remain one of the 13 shareholders who make up the constitution of Premiership Rugby Ltd.
That could allow legal eagles to argue they are still eligible to defend a European title – especially as the format has been altered for next season due to Covidinduced fixture congestion.
The Rugby Paper understands also that there is no specific provision in the EPCR tournament heads of agreement preventing a relegated side taking part.
However, there is a clear logistical barrier because if the relegated champions were included it would mean that one team from next season’s 12-team Premiership would be excluded from participating in the European Cup/Challenge Cup, because the English clubs have only a 12-team allocation.
Simon Halliday, the EPCR chairman, told The
Rugby Paper yesterday that the EPCR Board had excluded Saracens participation in the 2020-21 season following their relegation from the Premiership.
Halliday said: “It was formally ratified at a Board meeting earlier this season that if Saracens won the title again they would not be eligible to defend it.”
Halliday added: “The regulations say that the participating clubs in the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup will be in the nominated leagues for that season.”
However, there is a further potential area of debate, because Saracens have been relegated due to an English Premiership salary cap penalty, whereas there are no salary cap regulations in the EPCR tournaments, with many of the participants spending significantly in excess of the amounts that led to Saracens being relegated.
Saracens stunned Leinster with their forward power in the first half to take a 22-3 at the break against the Irish province who had remained unbeaten for 25 matches.
Alex Goode, deputising at fly-half for the banned Owen Farrell, who was an enthusiatic spectator, kicked flawlessly and added an individual try when he burst through the Leinster defensive line.
Leinster hit back in the second half to come within five points but a further penalty from Goode eased Saracens out to their winning margin.
Saracens will now play French powerhouses Racing 92 who beat Clermont 36-27 yesterday.
Saracens captain Brad Barritt said: “It showed true Saracens spirit today. There has been setback after setback in our team, both mentally and physically, but the togetherness of this group shone through.”