A salary cap scandal has struck English rugby

European champions Saracens has been docked 35 competition points for three seasons worth of breaches.

British media are reporting the breaches relate to England internationals Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje, Mako and Billy Vunipola entering into business partnerships with club chairman Nigel Wray.

The club's been fined over 10-million dollars.

Saracens have won five of the past nine English domestic titles, including two during the period of breaches, but they won't be stripped of those titles.

The team will start their fourth game of the season on minus 26 points, facing a struggle to avoid relegation.