Premiership Rugby CEO Mark McCafferty says there have been no salary cap breaches
Thursday 22 October 2015 21:17, UK
Premiership Rugby CEO Mark McCafferty says there have been no salary cap breaches committed by competing clubs, although the organisation admitted "certain issues" have come to light.
Reports in recent months suggested at least three Premiership clubs might have broken last season's salary cap limit of just under £5m but McCafferty confirmed there have been no breaches of the rules.
"There are no breaches, but we have a five-year window in the regulation which remains open, in case any new information surfaces on any club," he said.
"That remains fully in place and available to the salary cap manager."
Premiership Rugby elaborated further, confirming some complex issues relating to the wage cap have now been resolved.
"Over the last few months, there has been speculation, much of it significantly inaccurate, concerning investigations into clubs," they said in a statement.
The clubs intend to ensure that the English game thrives at club and country level and that we achieve domestic, European and international success.
"Premiership Rugby can confirm that certain issues were pursued last season with some clubs relating to access to information, and to commercial contracts where there were differences of opinion as to the correct inclusion or not in the salary cap spend.
"The issues were not straightforward and were subject to differing legal opinion and consequent risk as to any judgement on the correct interpretation.
"Premiership Rugby and the clubs have now resolved the issues identified and have entered into appropriate confidential settlements."
Meanwhile, Premiership Rugby has announced changes to the salary framework for the next two seasons.
Base salary cap levels for 2016 will rise from £5.5m to £6.5m, before further increasing to £7m in the 2017-18 campaign.
"The clubs intend to ensure that the English game thrives at club and country level and that we achieve domestic, European and international success," added McCafferty.
"The financial performance of Premiership Rugby and its clubs, including new commercial contracts with key partners, has helped facilitate plans for the further strengthening of playing squads, including the continued investment in the growth of English talent.
"This investment is intended to help drive the next phase of growth in English club and international rugby."
Each club will continue to be allowed a maximum of two players who will be excluded from salary cap arrangements, with one player being new to Premiership rugby or not having played in Premiership rugby for at least 12 months.
There is also a new England Senior EPS (elite player squad) or international player credit in addition to the base salary cap level to allow for squad-strengthening, particularly to cover for player absence during international periods.
