BATH HAVE BEEN fined £60,000 by Premiership Rugby for releasing Taulupe Faletau to play for Wales against South Africa this month.
Faletau was allowed to feature in a 24-22 victory over the Springboks at the Principality Stadium on 2 December despite the Test falling outside World Rugby’s international window.
Bath had been aware that sanctions could be imposed for giving the number eight the green light to line up for his country.
The Premiership club on Wednesday confirmed they have been slapped with a fine and called for a change of regulations.
Bath chief executive Tarquin McDonald said: “We understand Premiership Rugby’s position on this, and have subsequently worked proactively with them to swiftly achieve a fair resolution.
“We believed this situation would change, that has not yet happened and we have therefore come to an appropriate settlement with Premiership Rugby.
“However, we continue to believe that there is appetite for change and that this ongoing conflict between the club and international calendars is not good for players, clubs or unions.
“We continue to support the objective of a solution for the separation of club and international calendars in a way which benefits players, clubs and unions, and brings an end to situations such as this.”
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
Well fair play to Bath it seems for releasing him. Every player should be given the opportunity to play for country
I’d say wales paid the fine
@Bob Joe: They absolutely didn’t
This is why we have to fight to keep our players in Ireland.
Absolutely stupid rule. He’s their player – if they want to rest him, drop him or release him for duty it should be up to them and them only. Idiots
@The Grumpy Pundit: Premiership Rugby are just trying to exert their power and undermine the rugby unions as much as possible.
@The Grumpy Pundit: wouldn’t say it was stupid. Premiership rugby has a responsibility to its sponsors and fans to make sure that the best players are on display in the league consistently. How would you feel as a fan having stumped out on Bath tickets for a match to find that they are releasing one of their best players for the match? Short changed?
Bath should pay the fine in penny coins