Scott handed lifetime suspension

Former London Welsh team manager Mike Scott has been handed a lifetime suspension from any involvement in rugby union by a Rugby Football Union misconduct hearing.

Scott had been charged under RFU Rule 5.12 with "conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Union or the Game" for providing false and misleading information to the governing body over the registration of Exiles scrum-half Tyson Keats.

Keats appeared in 10 Aviva Premiership games this term while not holding effective registration with the RFU. London Welsh have been handed a five-point deduction from their Premiership tally and a £15,000 fine as a result, although the club have confirmed they will appeal the decision.

An RFU statement read: "Mike Scott was today suspended from the management, coaching or playing of rugby union and membership of any club for life following an RFU Misconduct Hearing.

"The former London Welsh team manager may not apply for the order to be lifted for 10 years."

London Welsh, who now sit bottom of the Premiership two points behind Sale Sharks, also had a further five-point deduction suspended until the end of next season.

The case was dealt with by Judge Jeff Blackett on papers and without a personal hearing at Scott's request.

Scott accepted the allegation against him and submitted a written plea of mitigation.

He has 14 days to appeal the judgement.

The written judgement outlining the sanctions against London Welsh, which was made public on Thursday night following an RFU hearing on Tuesday, revealed Scott had been cautioned by police over his role in the matter.