Premiership Rugby has asked Sport Resolutions UK to form an independent panel to adjudicate on last Friday’s cancelled Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Gloucester Rugby and Warriors, due to be played at Kingsholm Stadium.
The circumstances under which Worcester Warriors were unable to field the required six front row players for the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match, resulting in the cancellation of the fixture, will be determined by the independent panel. The match will not be replayed.
A Premiership Rugby spokesperson said: “In accordance with the Premiership Regulations we are investigating this matter. We have been in contact with Worcester Warriors and Gloucester Rugby, and have also asked Sports Resolutions UK to form an independent panel.
“We don’t have a timescale to resolve this matter, but we will update in due course once the date of the hearing has been fixed. Following the conclusion of the Panel hearing we will publish the initial verdict, followed by the full written judgement.”
The relevant Premiership Rugby regulations are:
3.4 Replacements
(a) Subject to Regulation 3.4(b), in all Matches up to eight (8) replacements and substitutes are permitted in accordance with Law 3 and World Rugby resolutions/rulings/directives relating thereto and the Clubs shall comply with such Law and resolutions/rulings/directives.
(b) In the interests of safety each team playing in the Premiership must have at least six (6) fit and able Players in the squad who can play at hooker, tight head prop and loosehead prop who are suitably trained and experienced to ensure that on the first occasion that a replacement in any front row position is required (whether due to injury or consequent to a Player(s) being temporarily suspended or ordered off) the team can continue to play safely with contested scrums.
In the event that a Club is unable to field those six players, the Match shall be cancelled.