Saracens have denied their backing by a South African investment company which has major interests in two Super 14 sides breaks rules on club ownership.

An owner can only have a controlling interest in more than one team with the written consent of the governing body of the countries involved plus the International Rugby Board.

A report has claimed that SAIL, which bought 50 per cent of Saracens last year, was not given that permission by the Rugby Football Union but the club's chief executive Edward Griffiths insists they have been made fully aware of the share holdings of the company.He said: "We have heard nothing from the RFU over this and believe it was covered when we spoke to them at the time the money was invested in Premier Team Holdings of which Saracens is part.

"I believe this is a scare story and follows on from claims that we are turning into a South African club and will change our name and colours. We will not be called London South Africa and will not be wearing Springbok colours.

"We are Saracens and are committed to being a source of talent for the England team."

SAIL owns half of Pretoria-based Bulls and 24.9 per cent of Cape Town side Stormers.