Discredited former Sarries boss hits back
REACTION: Discredited former Saracens boss Nigel Wray has spoken out after the release of the full report on the club’s salary cap breaches.
In the report, it was stated that Saracens was “reckless” in their approach to salary cap rules.
Premiership Rugby Limited (PRL) made public the document which lays out why the double winners were fined £5.36 million (US$7.02 million) and docked 35 league points for breaking the salary cap for the past three completed seasons.
The report was published in full at the behest of both the PRL and Saracens.
The report does not cover the current campaign, at the end of which Saracens will be relegated because they have continued to exceed the £7 million limit.
Wray admitted he was at fault, but maintains that neither he nor the club actively wanted to break the cap.
Premiership Rugby CEO Darren Childs had suggested the club didn’t want the report published, a position the club immediately refuted.
“I am really sorry for the heartache that I have caused you due to my ill-considered approach to matters relating to salary cap compliance,” Wray said.
“My intention with co-investments was always to support players beyond their playing careers.
“I recognise that the actions of the club were described by the panel as ‘reckless’ primarily due to my failure to consult with PRL’s salary cap manager prior to entering into any agreements and then disclosing the transactions to him. I take full responsibility for this. We should have been far better.
“Equally important is the panel’s determination that neither the club nor myself deliberately attempted to breach the cap.”
Wray goes on to expound upon the findings of the report in some detail.
“I appreciate there is a lot to digest but felt you were owed a full explanation. Again, I am sorry that this has caused so much upset to you and our sport.
“As you know, the Club has already started to implement new processes to ensure nothing like this happens again.
“Despite recent events, Saracens is a family which has always brought me and my family so much joy. The team’s incredible form and the Club’s togetherness in recent weeks shows me the culture we have built is strong. Our vision, represented by a united group of players, coaches, staff, families and fans who care deeply for one another, endures.”
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