Rugby Union Today: Sarries accept punishment

Colin Newboult

Saracens' chairman Nigel Wray after the European Champions Cup Final at BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as Saracens and Premiership Rugby confirmed that the Londoners will not appeal against their punishment for salary cap breaches.

What’s on the site

Saracens face an uphill task to remain in the Premiership after they decided against appealing the decision to deduct them 35 points. The Londoners are now at the foot of the table on -22 points, while they have also been fined over £5million.

Mark McCall’s men were in action in the Champions Cup at the weekend but, after fielding an inexperienced side, they were no match for a powerful Racing 92 outfit. The Parisians were excellent and, as a result, have four representatives in our Team of the Week.

That competition is also discussed in ‘Who’s hot and who’s not,’ which delves into the main talking points from the past seven days, including impressive victories for all four Irish provinces and Leone Nakarawa’s suspension for returning to club duty at Racing two weeks late.

What’s in the news

Jamie Joseph has seemingly ruled himself out of the All Blacks’ coaching role after signing a new contract with Japan. Joseph was one of the names linked to replace outgoing boss Steve Hansen, but the 49-year-old has decided to commit his future to the Brave Blossoms.

Whoever does take on the New Zealand role will face Scotland in the 2020 November Tests after the Murrayfield-based side completed their line-up for next year. Gregor Townsend’s men will also take on Argentina and Japan in the end-of-year encounters.

What’s on social media

Statistician Russ Petty has worked out where Saracens would have finished in previous seasons had they been deducted 35 points.

What’s on TV

The Champions Cup continues this weekend on BT Sport where Ulster and Clermont Auvergne kick off proceedings on Friday. There are several other interesting clashes as Exeter Chiefs host Glasgow Warriors, Lyon face Leinster and Racing 92 visit Munster.

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