Saracens are set to drop their planned appeal against a £5.4m fine and a 35-point penalty for a breach of the salary cap, PA Media understands.
The back-to-back Premiership winners and reigning European champions had initially announced their intention to appeal against what they deemed to be “heavy-handed” punishments that were further described by club chairman Nigel Wray as “absolutely devastating”.
But before Monday’s deadline to officially serve notice of appeal, Saracens are now poised to confirm they will not be doing so.
While an appeals process was in place, the sanctions were initially suspended. The points penalty, however, will come into immediate effect on Monday once the club has confirmed its decision.
It means Saracens, currently third in the standings on 13 points, a point behind leaders Bristol, will sit on -22 points, 26 adrift of bottom club Leicester. With regard to the fine, which totals exactly £5,360,272.31, it is understood the club will be given a short period of time to make payment.
