London Welsh admit disappointment

A statement from Aviva Premiership club London Welsh has revealed their disappointment at the RFU's decision to uphold a five-point deduction and fine of £15,000.

The Exiles were hit with the punishment after falsifying Tyson Keats's registration form at the start of the season, with the five-point deduction leaving them bottom of the table.

The statement read: "London Welsh RFC is extremely disappointed by the Independent Appeal Panel's decision to uphold the five-point deduction and £15,000 fine against the club, with regard to the charge that it fielded an ineligible player, Tyson Keats, in 10 Aviva Premiership matches this season.

"However, the club welcomes the Panel's decision to remove the suspended five-point penalty imposed until the end of the 2013-14 season, and believes that this action justifies its decision to appeal."

Meanwhile, London Welsh chief executive Tony Copsey added: "The club is hugely disappointed by the decision of the Independent Appeal Panel to uphold the five-point deduction for this season.

"We are particularly disappointed for the players, who've given everything they can for the club, and ultimately it is they who have been punished for something completely beyond their control."

Next up for the club is a trip to Bath Rugby at the weekend.