SHIPSTON Rugby Club have been relegated from Midlands Three West (South) after having ten points deducted because of registration irregularities.

The Mayo Road club admitted playing an unregistered player under the name of a different registered player during their league game against Hereford on April 2.

The points were deducted by the Midlands Leagues Organising Committee at a meeting last Wednesday and the decision means that Shipston will now play in Midlands Four West (South) next season.

"We played an unregistered player and it came to light after the game and there's nothing that we can do about it," said chairman Jonathan Davies. "I knew nothing about it on the day of the game but there is an internal investigation ongoing to find more about how the player came to be in the side."

The chairman revealed that the player in question had previous played with the club but now spent much of his time in New Zealand.

Investigated

The matter was investigated after the player was sent off under the name Josie Harvey, a player who was on Shipston's list of registered players.

The player subsequently appeared before a Warwickshire RFU disciplinary panel and was suspended for six weeks.

Shipston admitted registration irregularities which led to their points deduction.

"We've been relegated and there's nothing we can do about it," Davies added. "Of course it's disappointing but we will endeavour to retain our status as quickly as possible and ensure that this kind of thing doesn't happen again."

Ray Roberts, the MLOC secretary, has now compiled a file which will be submitted to the Warwickshire RFU for possible further disciplinary action.

If Warwickshire feel the case is too serious to deal with the matter may be referred to the RFU's disciplinary department.