Saracens appoint lawyer Neil Golding as new club chairman after Nigel Wray retirement

Saracens have appointed Neil Golding as their non-executive chairman, succeeding owner Nigel Wray.

Wray, who still owns Saracens, retired from his role as chairman last week in the wake of the club’s salary cap crisis.

Saracens were fined over £5million and docked 35 points in November after it was found they had breached the Premiership’s £7m salary cap in each of the past three seasons.

Edward Griffiths has taken up the role of interim CEO for a 12-month period, while Mitesh Velani has assumed a consultancy position at the club and remains on the Saracens board.

Golding has now joined the new setup too, arriving as non-executive chairman with plenty of experience.

Golding is a lawyer with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and his immediate priority as non-executive chairman is to lead and oversee new governance measures, including steps to ensure the club complies with the Premiership’s salary cap.

Golding said: “It is an honour to be appointed chairman of Saracens.

“The success of this great club is rooted in its commitment to the development of talent through its coaches and academy system, player welfare and making a positive impact within its community to create lasting memories.

“I am excited to help build on this wonderful legacy. I also recognise that I am joining the Club at a time of significant change.

“We, as a board, are strongly committed to introducing new robust processes and working together with other PRL stakeholders in the best interests of Saracens and English rugby.”