Grenoble pay hefty price

Grenoble have been deducted four match points and fined €10,000 ($13,075) following a hearing by an independent Disciplinary Committee on Thursday.

The hearing was as the result of a misconduct complaint brought against the club by ERC for the selection of Lotu Taukeiaho and his participation in the European Challenge Cup Round Three Pool Five match against London Welsh on December 7 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 European Challenge Cup Tournament Rules.

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

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