Rotherham get defeat overturned

Coventry breached regulations on front row replacements

English Division One bosses have overturned Coventry's 2215 win over Rotherham on October 23 after they upheld a Titans' protest over the implementation of uncontested scrums in the game.

It means Rotherham will now be credited with a win pending any appeal from Coventry.

The situation came about after Coventry were reduced to 14 men when their No.8 Dan Farini was sent off for a high tackle two minutes into the second half.

However, Rotherham's numerical advantage was later nullified when referee Nigel Higginson ordered uncontested scrums for the final 20 minutes when Coventry were left without enough front row players after replacement hooker Dave Addleton was substituted with an apparent injury.

Rotherham later protested and First Division Rugby (FDR) have now overturned the result.

A statement from FDR said: "Executive Director, Geoff Cooke, has considered the evidence in statements from the referee and officials of Coventry and Rotherham and has determined that there was a breach of RFU Principal Regulation 11.4 and accordingly Coventry are deemed to have lost the match."

Regulation 11.4 covers the use of uncontested scrums if a team lack suitable front row players.

The statement went on: "There is a right of appeal in accordance with the FDR Regulations and no action will be taken nor will there be any further comment from FDR Ltd until the outcome of any such appeal is determined."

Should the FDR decision be upheld, Rotherham will retain their 100% record after six games so far this season.