Saracens have hit out at the disjointed rugby calendar after the London club posted losses of £9 million for the last season. The side, which finished sixth last year and missed out on the semi-finals, used their annual accounts to criticize the structure of rugby's domestic calendar. This calendar features long spells without matches to accommodate international rugby, leaving clubs to play between September and May, despite the Premiership losing three teams in recent seasons.
Financial Performance
Saracens Limited, the subsidiary of Saracens Group Holdings Limited that operates the rugby team, reported losses of £8.9 million for the last season, an increase of £1.5 million from the previous year. Revenues fell by more than £1.5 million for the period ending 30 June, which the club attributed largely to a decline in income from Premiership Rugby. According to the Companies House documents, the directors stated that the "principal risks to the company include ongoing difficulties with operating a disjointed rugby calendar, particularly as multiple stakeholders in the game balance club and international commitments, while ensuring adequate rest."
Impact of the Calendar
The club emphasized the need for a more coherent schedule. "Securing a coherent calendar would allow the Premiership to grow and commercialise its audiences better," the statement added. "A failure to do so risks leaving club rugby under-exposed in a saturated media and entertainment landscape." Saracens have long advocated for a streamlined calendar that prioritizes both club and international competitions while allowing players sufficient rest periods.
Stadium Deal and Attendance
Saracens signed a long-term deal with stadium sponsor StoneX, but the separate stadium business is not included in the accounts of Saracens Limited. The documents also highlighted that 55,000 fans attended the club's annual match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2025, but attendance fell to just over 40,000 this season. Earlier this year, the club made several redundancies in key positions, which will be reflected in next year's accounts. The directors' report concluded, "Furthermore, we foresee risk if consumer sentiment and macroeconomic performance remains stagnant, which would impact ticket, hospitality and events sales."
Current Standing
Despite the financial challenges, Saracens remain sixth in this year's Premiership Rugby table, but they are within striking distance of the top four with five games remaining. The club will be looking to secure a playoff spot and potentially improve their financial performance in the coming season.
