It never rains but it pours...
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2019/11/18/saracens-facing-loss-sponsors-following-salary-cap-punishments/
Saracens' chief sponsor Allianz wishes to hold talks to discuss their future commitment following the club's salary cap breach, putting their seven-year association with the north London club at risk.
Behind the paywall, it may be natural speculation of course...
Saracens' chief sponsor Allianz wishes to hold talks to discuss their future commitment following the club's salary cap breach, putting their seven-year association with the north London club at risk.
On Monday, Saracens confirmed that they will be accepting the 35-point penalty and £5.36million fine for breaching Premiership Rugby's salary cap regulations. Allianz has given no guarantees for their future sponsorship of the club and its stadium, Allianz Park.
The future partnership between the two parties will be dependent on Saracens assuring the multi-national financial services provider that they have a "shared understanding" of the importance of "transparency and integrity".
The current sponsorship deal runs until 2021, having been extended in December 2017.
Allianz told MailOnline in a statement: "The independent disciplinary panel set up by Premiership Rugby has ruled on the charges brought against Saracens Rugby Club and Saracens have accepted the consequences. We respect that process and have no comment on it.
"Allianz is a long time sponsor but is not a member of any executive or supervisory boards of Saracens. The financial decisions taken in relation to the remuneration of the players are taken by the club’s officials and Allianz has played no part in this process.
"At Allianz we act with transparency and integrity and living up to these high standards is very important to us. We will be holding discussions with the club to confirm this shared understanding and commitment going forward.'
Nigel Wray accepted in his statement that he should have consulted with Premiership Rugby's (PRL) salary cap manager before entering into co-investment partnerships with players.
Wray also added: “We will shortly introduce robust independent governance measures acceptable to all, including the appointment to the Saracens board of a director, who will oversee a new governance regime. I will continue as always to support the club financially going forwards to ensure there is no financial instability or uncertainty.”
Although he insisted that the club is complying with the salary cap this season and will "continue to work transparently with Premiership Rugby in this regard", Allianz seems to want tangible assurances before committing to any future sponsorship.
Telegraph Sport has approached Saracens' smaller sponsors for comment.