The Boland Rugby Union has been fined R42,000 for fielding an ineligible player in the Currie Cup Qualifier tournament.

Christopher Bosch featured in six matches for the Cavaliers between 8 April and 13 May, despite being a registered player for Brakpan at club level, which ties him to the Valke Rugby Union. Bosch was offered a new contract in 2015, but opted to join Boland without the necessary clearance certificate.

The Valke only became aware of this when Boland applied for his clearance on 18 May this year and felt compelled to bring the transgression to the attention of SA Rugby even though the clearance was granted on the same day.

Boland were found guilty of contravening transfer regulations 4.2 – 4.4 of the Player Status, Player Contracts and Player Movement. Previous similar cases were taken into consideration and a suspended fine of R7,000 per match that Bosch played was imposed, totalling R42,000.

Boland apologised to the Valke and explained that it was an oversight at the commencement of the season.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images