Thursday 4 June 2015 12:23, UK
Gloucester have been deducted two points from their 2014/2015 Premiership total after a successful appeal from the RFU.
The Cherry and Whites selected an ineligible player - second row Mariano Galarza - for their 23-6 defeat at Sale on March 29 and initially received a £5,000 fine and a deduction of two league points suspended until the end of 2016-17 campaign.
The decision resulted in a successful appeal from the RFU on the grounds that the circumstances were not so exceptional to justify the suspension but the imposition of the deduction on this season's total has no impact on Gloucester's finish of ninth.
"This part of the appeal was unopposed by Gloucester but the cross-appeal by the club, that it should only have a single point deducted, was dismissed," an RFU statement read.
"Accordingly, Gloucester will be deducted two league points for this season (2014-2015) immediately. The £5,000 fine also remains payable, plus the first-instance hearing costs of £500."
Gloucester also issued a response to the deduction. Chief executive Stephen Vaughan said: "We're naturally disappointed by the RFU's decision to appeal the original outcome and the subsequent decision.
"There is no point revisiting the reasons why we feel this is unduly harsh, but can only hope that the reasons were fact based and not due to pressure from other parties.
"In the interests of moving on, and looking forward to the start of a new season, we have accepted the decision and now consider the matter closed."