THE Rugby Football Union have launched an investigation into Basingstoke RFC’s decision to play an ineligible player under a false name in a match last month.

’Stoke were last week handed a 15-point deduction by the London and South East League after admitting charges of fielding an unregistered player and falsifying the match card during their match at Guildford on September 13.

Now the game’s governing body have got involved. The league’s decision to dock the club 15 points will almost certainly not be changed, but individuals at the club could face further punishment.

A statement from the RFU said: “The RFU are aware of the incident, and are investigating the matter. We have written to the club to ask for their observations, and are waiting for their response before deciding our next course of action.”

Basingstoke had until 5pm yesterday to make their case to the governing body, with the result of the investigation expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Head coach Will Croker has expressed his disappointment at the Rugby Football Union’s decision to investigate.

He is one of several people who could be penalised by the game’s governing body and while he is complying with the investigation, the coach is upset that the governing body have seen fit to look into the matter.

He said: “I am disappointed that the RFU have become involved, especially as I understand that it has come as a direct result of interference from somebody within the club.

“It’s a little bit sad that it has come to this. It seems people are trying to make themselves feel important.

“We need to remember that the players are the most important people in the club. Without them we do not have a club and they just want to concentrate on moving forward.

“I will help the RFU with their investigation as much as I can, and will concentrate on preparing the team for a trip to Brighton on Saturday.”

Croker will continue to lead the side pending the outcome of the RFU investigation.

Any internal disciplinary action has been put on hold, with officials feeling that the governing body is better placed to judge the situation.

Club chairman Dr Steve Tristram said that no officials from the club contacted the RFU about launching an investigation, and he hopes that the matter can be dealt with swiftly.

He said: “The RFU investigation will hopefully bring a close to the whole situation, and make it clear that the club has been transparent.”