Is Wray about to pull the plug at Sarries?
REACTION: The rumour mill has switched to overdrive on the future of Saracens owner Nigel Wray at the European and Premiership champions.
The British media has been rife with suggestions that Wray may be ready to pull the plug on some of his involvement with Saracens, despite strong denials to the contrary.
Wray fuelled speculation about his future at the club after deciding not to travel to Bath for Friday’s Premiership clash.
In the past, Wray attended most – if not all – Saracens games.
However, according to the Daily Mail, he has missed two consecutive Premiership matches – having missed their trip to Gloucester earlier this month.
The development follows their 35-point deduction for breaching the salary cap.
Sportsmail claimed that several ‘high-profile’ sources suggested the 71-year-old’s position as chairman was untenable after he accepted full responsibility for the salary cap breach.
According to the newspaper, one source suggested that while he continues, in his role the league’s integrity is at stake.
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Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall, speaking after the 25-12 win over Bath, said Wray is currently ‘reluctant’ to visit away grounds.
“It’s a real shame he doesn’t feel comfortable to come to away matches at the moment,” McCall said in his post-match reaction.
“For someone who I believe has given rugby a lot it’s really sad for him not to feel he can come and watch his club play rugby. Hopefully, he’ll start to feel differently soon.”
Despite the statements to the contrary, the media suggested his no-show at the Rec will be viewed as an indication of changes ahead.
Crucially, earlier this month the club did not explicitly state that he would continue as Chairman, rather that he would continue to support the club financially.
In a statement announcing they would not review the independent panel’s judgment, Wray said: “As chairman, I must take full responsibility for the arrangements that led to this outcome.
“It is important to stress that our excellent coaching staff were not involved in these issues in any way. I will continue as always to support the club financially going forwards to ensure there is no financial instability or uncertainty.”
In a question and answer section added to the website later, there was no clear statement that Wray would stay on in his current role.
Responding to the question ‘what does this mean for Saracens Chairman Nigel Wray?’, the club said: “Nigel has been involved with the Club for 25 years and his support for the Club remains as strong as ever. He will ensure the Club moves forward from today in the right way as quickly as possible.”
Bath had made clear that Wray was welcome at The Rec.
Meanwhile, Sportsmail understands that Premiership officials have not sent a written request to Saracens regarding a potential mid-season audit, suggesting discussions are ongoing about how to address persistent concerns that the club is operating outside the cap.
Saracens, who were in breach of the cap in each of the last three seasons, insist they are complying.
Sources: The Guardian & Daily Mail
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