Premiership Rugby have revealed the winner of Saturday’s final will be subject to a forensic investigation of their books, as they released a groundbreaking report into players’ salaries.
Saracens, who were banished from the top flight for past cap breaches, will take on Leicester in the final were also fined this season for previous infringements.
Salary cap director Andrew Rogers has been at the forefront of helping Premiership Chiefs to improve transparency.
He said: “The aim is to give everyone greater confidence in the system, particularly with this new extended audit, which we have done for the first time with Harlequins.
“The winner this year will undergo an extensive audit when we do a forensic assessment of the club through emails, telephone records, bank statements and tax returns.”
He added that Rugby is unlikely to follow the example of the NFL and publish the full details of indivudual players’ earnings.
“It is a very European thing, where people don’t like to disclose what they earn,” said Rogers.
“It would create absolute transparency, but I would be surprised if there was a real appetite for people to want to share what they earn, publicly.’ Meanwhile, PRL chief executive Simon Massie-Taylor emphasised the vital role of the salary cap system, to preserve integrity.
“It is hugely important because the salary cap is a brilliant mechanism to preserve competitiveness, so you want to make sure that mechanism is as effective as possible,’ he said. ‘These new powers build credibility with the fans.”
How to watch Leicester vs Saracens
TV channel: In the UK, the Premiership final can be watched live for free on ITV4, with coverage beginning at 2:15pm.
There is also live coverage available on BT Sport 1, where the build-up starts at 2pm.
Live stream: Fans can also see the action unfold online via the ITV Hub, while BT Sport subscribers can follow along on the BT Sport website or app.
EDITORS PICKS:
- World Rugby make major change to TMO protocol
- How to watch England vs Barbarian’s: TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
- REVEALED: The highest and lowest paid rugby positions 2022
- Saracens confirm fourth departure as international star retires
- Italian star reveals how ‘heroic’ Ellis Genge saved his life
REVEALED: The highest and lowest paid rugby positions 2022
HIGHEST TO LOWEST (AVERAGE INCOME BY POSITION):
Source: Premiership RUgby
FLY-HALVES – £175,679
CENTRE – £167,779
LOCK – 158,617
