New chairman appointed at Saracens

Saracens have announced the appointment of Neil Golding as non-executive chairman, succeeding Nigel Wray who stepped down earlier this month.

Wray, who departed the club last week, provided financial backing for Saracens throughout the sport’s 25-year professional era.

His tenure saw a level of sustained success on domestic and European stages, with numerous players gaining international honours and starring at Test level, such as England trio Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and Billy Vunipola.

His successor, Golding, is a highly experienced and respected lawyer at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. His immediate priority as non-executive chairman is to lead and oversee new governance measures including steps to ensure regulatory compliance.

“It is an honour to be appointed chairman of Saracens,” said Golding. “The success of this great club is rooted in its commitment to the development of talent through its coaches and academy system, player welfare and making a positive impact within its community to create lasting memories.

“I am excited to help build on this wonderful legacy. I also recognise that I am joining the club at a time of significant change. We, as a board, are strongly committed to introducing new robust processes and working together with other PRL stakeholders in the best interests of Saracens and English rugby.”

Saracens are currently battling to stay in the top flight this season following the points deduction for breaching salary cap regulations in the 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons by failing to disclose payments to players.

They are currently bottom of the Premiership table, 18 points behind 11th-placed Leicester.

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