**Crumlin RFC Stripped of Promotion and Deducted 10 Points After WRU Investigation**
A significant shake-up has occurred within the Welsh rugby leagues, as Crumlin RFC has been handed a 10-point penalty and denied promotion following a Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) inquiry into player eligibility. The club, which had initially celebrated a hard-earned promotion to a higher division, now faces an abrupt change of fortunes after being found guilty of fielding an ineligible player in two crucial league fixtures.
The WRU released a statement confirming the decision, which will see Crumlin remain in Admiral National League Four East for the coming season, despite their finishing spot in the top two. The side’s local rivals, RTB Ebbw Vale, who narrowly missed out on promotion by a single point, have now benefitted from Crumlin’s sanction and will take their place in the higher division.
According to sources close to the investigation, the controversy centres on a player who is usually active at a significantly higher level of competition. It’s alleged that Crumlin registered this individual under a false name, allowing them to participate in matches they otherwise would not have been eligible to play. This breach of league regulations prompted the WRU’s Competitions Management Committee to intervene and carry out a detailed review of Crumlin’s squad records for the season.
“The WRU can confirm that Crumlin RFC has been deducted 10 league points following the fielding of an ineligible player in two separate fixtures,” a WRU spokesperson stated. “The Competitions Management Committee reached this decision on 6th May, and it was finalised after the club had seven days to appeal, which they have not pursued. Both Crumlin and RTB Ebbw Vale have been officially informed of the changes this morning.”
Prior to the sanction, Crumlin had tipped RTB Ebbw Vale for promotion, edging them out by a solitary point in the final league standings. The ruling not only robs Crumlin of the fruits of their challenging season, but also provides a lifeline for RTB Ebbw Vale, who can now look forward to competing in Admiral National League Three East next term.
The wider context reveals that Crumlin are not the only club facing disciplinary action in League Four East this year. Other teams, including Crickhowell, Bedwellty and Whitehead, have similarly been docked points for separate violations, highlighting what could be described as a clampdown on rule-bending within the grassroots rugby tiers.
For Crumlin, remaining in East Four means they will now be contesting against leagues such as Abertysswg and Oakdale (recently relegated from the division above), alongside other local competitors. The new league structure is anticipated to be published by the WRU within the next few weeks, allowing clubs and supporters alike to prepare for the forthcoming campaign.
Interestingly, Crumlin RFC has chosen not to issue a public statement regarding the sanction. When approached for comment, representatives from the club declined, possibly reflecting the disappointment and frustration felt within their ranks after what had originally been a successful season.
The WRU’s disciplinary measures demonstrate a renewed commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport and ensuring that all clubs compete on a level playing field. Whilst the loss of promotion will be a bitter pill for Crumlin and their supporters to swallow, the decision sends a clear message about the seriousness with which eligibility rules are taken.
In summary, this incident has reshaped the expectations for several Gwent clubs, as focus now turns to preparing for a new season under changed circumstances. For Crumlin RFC, reflection and regrouping will be crucial, while RTB Ebbw Vale can savour a hard-earned—if unexpectedly won—promotion to the next tier of Welsh club rugby.