London Wasps have been disqualified from the Powergen Cup after they accidentally fielded a cup tied player in last weekend's victory over Bristol.
The club statement reads: Following an investigation with the RFU, London Wasps regret to announce that due to an administrative oversight, a cup-tied player appeared for them in last Sunday's Sixth Round Powergen Cup clash against the Bristol Shoguns.
Unfortunately, Jonny Barrett had appeared earlier in the competition while on loan at Henley RFC in their Third Round match against Moseley. This contravened rule 6.2 of the playing regulations governing the Powergen Cup resulting in automatic disqualification, as a consequence we will be replaced in the competition by Bristol, who will now go on the meet Gloucester on the 22nd January 2005 at Kingsholm.
Commenting, CEO David Davies said: "It was with a heavy heart that we undertook the investigation. We quickly uncovered the mistake. The club considered its punishment and right to appeal and furthermore the length of time that the appeal process would take to reach its conclusion. As a result, we felt it was in the interests of the public at large, not to appeal against the resultant penalty.
The club has admitted its mistake and needs to take its punishment like all clubs in this tournament. The club recognises its responsibility in assuring full compliance. At this time of the year with other major games coming up, it was in everyone's best interest to make a quick decision and allow us to concentrate on the upcoming fixtures against Gloucester and Biarritz.
In deciding not to appeal, it allows Gloucester and Bristol to put arrangements in place for the game on the 22nd".
Davies further went on to say: "We regret the deep embarrassment this incident causes to the club, our supporters, its players, the RFU and Premier Rugby as well as the sponsor, Powergen."
