By Henry Harman
October 1 2003

Saracens today have been deducted 2 points by The Board of England Rugby LTD. A press release from the RFU press office stated - ‘The Board of England Rugby today considered the playing of unregistered players by Leicester Tigers (Darren Morris) and Saracens (James Parkes) in their matches on 13th and 14th September respectively. The Board took into account the circumstances surrounding both incidents and the statements of mitigation from both clubs. The Board decided that Leicester Tigers should be sanctioned with the loss of one point and Saracens with the loss of two points. The Board also stated that the playing of unregistered players will always result in points deduction and in this year’s regulations there is no maximum figures.’

Saracens have since stated on their official website – saracens.com –

‘The club will fully review the reasoning behind the loss of points for what it considers to be an unintentional breach of the regulations and will vigorously explore all avenues available to them once they’ve had the opportunity to review the board’s findings into what it deemed to be a discretionary penalty.’

The up-shot of this is that after 3 games of the season, Saracens, on 4 points, are lying 11th in the Zurich Premiership table, with only newly - promoted Rotherham Titans below them.

Who knows what this administrative error will cost Sarries come the end of the season.