Why have Saracens been relegated, and can their players play for England in the Championship?

IT’S been a nightmare couple of months for Saracens and their supporters.

The reigning Champions Cup holders will be playing in the Championship next season – and you may be wondering about the future of their players who also represent England.

Why have Saracens been relegated?

AS far back as March 2019, allegations first emerged that Saracens were breaching the Premiership salary cap.

In June, bigwigs from the league opened a formal investigation against the club which would last for nearly five months.

Saracens were found to have breached the salary cap over THREE seasons, which took them way beyond the £7million limit.

They were already several games into the 2019-20 season back in November, but regardless the league dished out a 35-point deduction – effective immediately – and a £5.3m fine.

The point deduction didn’t necessarily mean relegation, but that was confirmed on January 18 when Premiership Rugby CEO Darren Childs revealed the club hadn’t been willing to prove compliance this season.

Just ten days late on January 28, Saracens were immediately relegated to the Championship and deducted another 70 points to ensure they finished bottom this season.

Can their players play for England in the Championship?

PLENTY of England’s biggest names are currently on the books with Saracens.

Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly, Maro Itoje and Mako Vunipola all play for Sarries but their domestic future is now unknown.

England rugby’s position on Championship players was unknown as none had ever been picked before.

But the RFU have now confirmed that Saracens players WILL be allowed to represent England even if they play their club rugby in the Championship.