Grenoble loss match points to London Welsh

The misconduct complaint was that Grenoble selected Lotu Taukeiaho for the Amlin Challenge Cup Round 3, Pool 5 match against London Welsh when Taukeiaho was not registered with ERC as a member of the club's tournament squad and was therefore an ineligible player.

The hearing was based on written submissions made by Grenoble, who pleaded guilty to the misconduct charge, and by ERC's Disciplinary Officer, Roger O'Connor.

After considering the submissions, the independent Disciplinary Committee, which was chaired by Roger Morris (Wales) with Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and Jeremy Summers (England), determined that the selection and subsequent participation of Taukeiaho in the match contravened the 2012/13 Amlin Challenge Cup Tournament Rules.

The Disciplinary Committee deducted four match points from Grenoble - ie. the points the club originally gained from the match - and fined the club 10,000 euros.

London Welsh were awarded a 28-0 win and five match points, and the tournament's Pool 5 table will be amended to reflect the decision.

Both Grenoble and ERC have the right to appeal the decision.

Notes

a) The independent Disciplinary Committees are chosen by the Chairman of the independent Disciplinary Panel, Professor Lorne Crerar.
b) ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O'Connor, presents the case against the club / individual
c) Both parties to the hearing (ERC and the club / individual) have the right to appeal decisions of the independent Disciplinary Committee. Appeals must be lodged within 72 hours of receiving the full written decision from the Chairman of the Independent Disciplinary Committee
d) The full written decision of the independent Disciplinary Committee will be available on http://www.ercrugby.com/disciplinenews when the disciplinary process is complete