Bedford Blues' Championship rivals Birmingham & Solihull will be deducted two points from their RFU Championship playoff campaign after fielding an unregistered player.
The RFU Championship Organising Committee decided that George Thomas had not been effectively registered to play for the club when he was selected against Doncaster Knights on February 17. Birmingham & Solihull agreed that this was the case.
RFU Tournament and Competitions Director Terry Burwell said: "Birmingham & Solihull were found to be in breach of RFU Championship Regulation 3.3a in that George Thomas, who was on loan to Loughborough Students, was not Effectively Registered with the Bees when he was listed as a replacement against Doncaster Knights.
"We accepted that the breach was unintentional but it was nonetheless an offence. Registration is a fundamental part of our competitions structure and all clubs are aware of its importance. An error or mistake at this level cannot be accepted as an excuse.
"The recommended starting point sanction is a minimum two points deduction. Having considered the issue we did not feel it relevant to impose the penalty for Stage One of the season but that a two point deduction from Stage Two was appropriate given the 30 points available from the six matches."
The points deduction will be implemented on Saturday, March 20 after Round 1 in the Championship Stage 2.
Birmingham & Solihull have 14 days to appeal the decision.
