Doncaster Knights hit with points deduction for use of unregistered agent

An independent disciplinary panel ruled the club’s actions were ‘prejudicial to the interests of the Union and/or the game.’

They also received a £1,500 fine suspended for two years from November 22, 2019, to be triggered if it uses the services of or engages with an unregistered agent at any point within that period.

Agent Andy Blaylock was given a 12-month ban from being involved in the administration of rugby union from April 4 while tighthead Suter received a reprimand and a two-match ban, suspended for two years.

The former Ospreys forward, 26, was signed in November to help bolster Doncaster’s pack.

Knights say the agent was “erroneously believed to be on the approved list” and, when they realised the lapse, accepted the club’s culpability, apologised and made assurances systems are now in force to avoid a repeat.

The panel said an unregistered agent may not act in ‘in the capacity of agent, representative or adviser to a club or a player, whether directly or indirectly in the negotiation, arrangement or execution of any employment transaction or contract of employment.’

“Using a registered agent to sign off such a contract or negotiations does not prevent a breach of the regulations.”