SARACENS’ England internationals will not play a competitive game before the Six Nations after the new Championship season was delayed until March 6. Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and the Vunipola brothers are without a competitive match before England face Scotland on February 6. Saracens are negotiating with fellow clubs to establish a separate cup competition as part of the pre-season build up.
The 12-team league will be split into two conferences with the winners of each playing a two-legged final to earn promotion to the Premiership. Saracens will be in Conference A along ...