Abu Dhabi Saracens chairman Jacob Basson hits back in row over Dubai Exiles forfeited games

Matt Jones - Editor 15:33 14/03/2018
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  • It's been all change this season for Saracens, on and off the field.

    Abu Dhabi Saracens chairman Jacob Basson has hit back in the row over forfeiting two games against Dubai Exiles – insisting the safety and well-being of players is the most important thing to him and the club.

    Exiles kicked up a ruckus on the eve of the final West Asia Premiership fixture last week when Sarries withdrew from the game on Wednesday, two days before the sides were due to meet at Al Ghazal.

    Exiles were left frustrated with club chairman Mike Wolff calling on struggling Sarries to withdraw from Gulf rugby’s top-flight.

    It was the second time in the Premiership this season that Sarries had forfeited against Exiles – meaning there was zero league fixtures between the sides in 2017/18.

    As a result, Exiles were awarded a bonus point win, while Sarries had a point deducted, meaning they finished bottom of the Premiership with a mere three points to their name.

    But Basson responded this week to criticism pointed the club’s way, claiming the Exiles decision was unavoidable.

    Sarries chairman Jacob Basson.

    Sarries chairman Jacob Basson.

    “The injury train has made Sarries its home station as we had a very tough season. It is something that cost us badly. Very badly,” said Basson.

    “This has exposed our need for depth. No-one is to blame for that, but these are unavoidable circumstances that resulted in us not being able to play certain games.

    “The safety and well-being of all Sarries players comes first and we as a club will never compromise this. Sometimes the hardest decision is knowing when to tell a player ‘no’.

    “While we are hurting with injuries the future looks seriously exciting once these players come back healthy, fitter and stronger.”

    Among a host of injuries leaving them depleted, captain Jonny Taylor had revealed a number of the club’s French players who are employed as soldiers had also been called up for military duty.

    It’s been a surreal season for Sarries. Although they’ve struggled on the pitch, their woes must feel like a vacation away from their off the field issues – which started with them beginning the season without a pitch following the closure of Al Ghazal Golf Club, their home since coming into existence in 2011.

    Sarries played a number of home games early on at Al Forsan, while changes behind the scenes also left the ship rudderless.

    Strangely, however, player numbers swelled and new owners at Al Ghazal, in the shadow of Abu Dhabi International Airport, took Sarries under their wing and restored them to their original home.

    Basson came in as chairman in January following predecessor Jay Danielson’s return home to Australia just before Christmas. And he has been enamored by the club’s fight and will to survive – with the drama on the field a minor detail.

    Sarries were champions of West Asia just three years ago.

    Sarries were champions of West Asia just three years ago.

    “Our senior teams are pure fighters until the end,” added Basson.

    “Even though we had a very tough season we managed to get by every day without sponsors or mountains of cash. To that I take my hat off to the committee and to each and every player who not only paid out of their own pockets to keep the club going, but are still doing it to ensure that we have a club we can proudly call Saracens.

    “Saracens have had to adapt under circumstances that no-one would wish for, with a non-apologetic rugby culture based on old fashioned principles and ideas.

    “Every member of our club has a role to play; be it on or off the pitch. It proves how a truly team orientated club has the passion to fight against the odds and give everything for Sarries.”

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