EPCR left disappointed over absence of Saracens in competition launch

The European Professional Club Rugby expressed disappointment on Saracens' decision to not send any of their representatives for the launch of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments in Cardiff on Wednesday.

Saracens were the winners of the 2018/19 season of the Champions Cup when they defeated Leinster 20-10 in the final and have gone on to win the tournament three times in the last four seasons.

However, they are now facing a penalty from their domestic competition organisers Premiership Rugby for a salary cap breach which saw them being docked 35 points along with a fine of £5.36m after it was reported that the club failed to disclose the player payments for the last three seasons.

The Allianz Park outfit have gone on to appeal against the decision failing which they will be pushed from the fourth position in the Gallagher Premiership table to the bottom which will likely keep them out of the play-offs and will also have to battle themselves out of a possible relegation.

EPCR in a statement said "appropriate action" will be taken against Saracens for not being part of the launch event.

"EPCR is disappointed to learn of Saracens’ decision to make their club representatives unavailable for today’s official 2019/20 Season Launch of the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup in Cardiff," read the statement.

"EPCR will now consider what action is appropriate in this instance and will be making no further comment at this time."

Saracens are positioned in Pool 4 in this season's Champions Cup alongside Munster, Ospreys and Racing 92.