English champions Saracens have been given a 35-point deduction and fined NZ$10million, after they were found guilty of breaching salary-cap regulations, rugby officials say.
British media reports the breaches relate to England internationals, such as Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje, Mako and Billy Vunipola, entering into business partnerships with club chairman Nigel Wray.
"Saracens Rugby Club failed to disclose payments to players in each of the seasons 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19," said Premiership Rugby on Wednesday (NZ Time).
"In addition, the club is found to have exceeded the ceiling for payments to senior players in each of the three seasons.
"The Salary Cap Regulations stipulate that a points deduction may be imposed in the current season (2019-20) only. The sanction has no bearing on any other domestic or European competition."
Saracens did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Saracens, who accomplished the Premiership and European double last season, were fourth in the standings this season with nine points from three games, before the punishment was announced.
The points deduction will place them bottom of the table on -26 before Saturday's trip to Gloucester.
The club will be allowed to seek a review and if they do, the sanctions would be suspended, pending the review's outcome.
The Premiership Rugby salary-cap regulations were introduced in 1999 to ensure the financial viability of clubs in the league and also provide a level playing field.
The current salary cap is seven million pounds, which does not include two 'Excluded Players', whose salaries are outside the cap.
Reuters
