The EPCR (European Professional Club Rugby) have released a short statement with regard to Saracens no-show at the launch of the 2019/20 European Cup this morning.
Sarries are currently the reigning champions, but were found to have breached Premiership salary cap regulations yesterday and have been fined over £5.3 million and have been docked 35-points for the current season.
However, the punishment, which the club have vowed to fans that they will appeal and fight against, only affected their domestic competition which they are also the current holders of.
With that in mind it seemed today would be the perfect day to show solidity and appear at the launch of the new European season, but representatives were nowhere to be seen and it is clear that the EPCR are not happy at all.
“EPCR is disappointed to learn of Saracens’ decision to make their club representatives unavailable for today’s official 2019/20 Season Launch of the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup in Cardiff. EPCR will now consider what action is appropriate in this instance and will be making no further comment at this time,” a short statement read.
It appears as though the club could now be hit with punishment from the European body ass well as on the domestic front.
Saracens currently sit bottom of the Premiership table with a total of -26 points after three games due to the punishment they received yesterday and are not only in danger of missing out on the European places for next season but could face a relegation battle. However, they are aware that by winning the Champions Cup once again they would qualify for next season’s edition, but after this latest stunt they seem to be putting themselves in danger of seeing that possibility slip away as things only seem to get worse.
The reigning champions are set to take on Racing 92 next Sunday during the opening round of the competition but it remains to be seen what happens between now and then.
