Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths is unhappy with Northampton's behaviour in the row over Soane Tonga'uiha.
Northampton criticised over Tonga'uiha move
Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths has escalated the row over Soane Tonga'uiha's move to Vicarage Road next season with a blistering attack on Guinness Premiership rivals Northampton.
Saints prop Tonga'uiha is due to link up with Saracens on a five-year contract in the summer but Northampton claim the player has changed his mind about the move and wants to sign a new deal at Franklin's Gardens.
Saracens, however, say they have a "binding written agreement" with him.
Simple
"Either we operate a game where contracts are respected, or we don't," Griffiths said. "It's as simple as that.
"After long consideration, Soane reached a decision that he wished to join Saracens and he duly signed on the dotted line. He subsequently confirmed this decision in press and television interviews.
"Northampton are clearly disappointed by the reality of losing a top player, but their subsequent actions have demeaned the integrity of the game.
"Saracens insist a binding agreement remains a binding agreement, and this position is unequivocally supported by both Premier Rugby and the Rugby Players Association.
"If every club was to behave as Northampton have behaved in this matter, we would have chaos, the Wild West, a game where contracts are effectively meaningless and worthless.
"We remain confident that common sense will prevail, and we look forward to welcoming Soane, Lucy and their children to Saracens in July."
RPA statement
Despite Griffiths' claims, the RPA have denied that they are siding with either club over the matter.
A statement read: "Having today been in contact with representatives for both Soane Tonga'uiha and Saracens, the RPA recognises this is a contractual dispute between the player and the club, and must be resolved accordingly.
"It is our duty as a players' association to provide our members with independent advice. However, suggestions that the RPA has given backing to one party are misleading."
