How Sportsmail's investigation led to Saracens' 35-point deduction and £5m fine for breaching salary cap rules after seven-month Premiership probe
- Saracens have been slapped with the biggest sanction in Premiership history
- An investigation by Sportsmail led to the Premiership looking into Saracens
- Sportsmail brought light to co-investment arrangements between owner Nigel Wray and star players including Owen Farrell and Billy and Mako Vunipola
It is the story that has shaken rugby and left Premiership giants Saracens facing a possible relegation and shock break-up of their superstar squad.
Saracens have been docked 35 points and fined £5million after being found guilty of breaching the salary cap, in a bombshell ruling that follows a Sportsmail investigation.
Back in March, Sportsmail's Investigations Team, led by the work of reporter Laura Lambert, revealed a series of investment partnerships between owner Nigel Wray and Owen Farrell, Billy and Mako Vunipola and property-sharing arrangements.
What followed was a seven-month Premiership Rugby probe culminating in Sarries' shell-shocked players being filled in on the sanctions on their return to the club from the Rugby World Cup on Tuesday morning. Here is the timeline of how the sorry saga unfolded...
In March, Sportsmail revealed how rival clubs were set to call for an inquiry as the details of Saracens' owner Nigel Wray's arrangements with England stars were raised
March 4, 2019
Sportsmail's investigation sends shockwaves through the sport, with revelations about investment partnerships between Saracens owner Nigel Wray and star players Owen Farrell, Mako Vunipola and Billy Vunipola as well as property-sharing arrangements.
March 5
Clubs and former players call for formal probe into Saracens.
March 6
Sportsmail reports that a rival club has hired accountants to look into Saracens, and the next day we reveal that another England and Saracens star, Maro Itoje, also has company linked to Wray.
March 11
Wray releases a statement, saying 'investment is not salary', and insisting: 'The club is open and transparent with the salary cap manager and proactively disclose co-investments, even though we are under no obligation to do so. We respect the rules and salary regulations.'
March 13
Premiership Rugby will not confirm if Wray's understanding of salary cap rules are correct.
April 9
Sportsmail reports that Premiership Rugby are questioning Saracens ex-players.
April 10
Premiership Rugby announce a review after it is found the club did not disclose all details of co-investment partnerships.
Premiership Rugby confirmed Saracens had not declared all co-investment arrangements between players and the owner Wray back in April
August 3
Rival clubs demand update on salary cap review, telling Sportsmail that they are being 'kept in the dark'.
September 3
Sportsmail reveals that the matter has been passed to specialist arbitrators Sport Resolutions.
September 24
Clubs dismiss idea of an out-of-court settlement being made with Saracens at conclusion of disciplinary proceedings.
October 26
Sportsmail reveals that Saracens's group head of finance Bernard Van Zyl — who had responsibility for managing the salary cap — has left the club, along with fellow director Nick Leslau, who had been at the club for over 20 years.
November 5
Saracens are docked 35 points and fined £5.36million.
Premiership Rugby held back on announcing the results during the Rugby World Cup and Sportsmail revealed the exit of Saracens finance chief Bernard van Zyl
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