Saracens: Nigel Wray sorry for ‘ill-considered’ salary cap approach

“I am really sorry for the heartache that I have caused you due to my ill-considered approach to matters relating to salary cap compliance. My intention with co-investments was always to support players beyond their playing careers.

“I recognise that the actions of the club were described by the panel as ‘reckless’ primarily due to my failure to consult with PRL’s salary cap manager prior to entering into any agreements and then disclosing the transactions to him. I take full responsibility for this.

“Equally important is the panel’s determination that neither the club nor myself deliberately attempted to breach the cap.”

Sarries will play in the Championship next term and had already been deducted 35 points and fined £5.4m in November for the three previous seasons’ spending.

‘Hugely disappointing for rugby – sports minister’

Sports minister Nigel Adams described the events at Saracens as “hugely disappointing”.

Adams told BBC Sport: “I’m disappointed for the fans, sport should be a level playing field.

“It’s hugely disappointing for rugby and it’s absolutely right that the Premiership have taken the action that it has taken.

“But I feel sorry for the fans. The fans who go and watch these games like to think they are playing on a level playing field and Saracens have taken a decision not to do so. They have to take their medicine.”

Asked whether the situation had left a lasting stain on the sport, Adams added: “I think it’s absolutely right that the Premiership is going to undertake a review – it’s a huge signal to the other clubs and it’s crucial if you have a set of rules you adhere to them so it’s only right you have a review.

“It has been a very sad period and something that the game’s got to put right.”