The club had seven days to appeal, which ended on Tuesday, May 13Crumlin RFC(Image: Google Maps/Street View)

Welsh rugby club Crumlin RFC have been deducted 10 points and denied promotion for fielding an ineligible player in two matches.

The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed the Admiral National League Four East club will not be promoted despite finishing in the top two, with local rivals RTB Ebbw Vale taking their place.

Prior to the deduction, Crumlin had finished one point ahead of RTB and were under the impression they had been promoted, with Gwernyfed finishing as champions.

However, the WRU confirmed Crumlin have now been deducted 10 points after an investigation found they fielded an ineligible player in two matches across the course of the season.

It’s understood the individual plays at a much higher level normally, with Crumlin accused of registering him under a false name. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free

A WRU Spokesperson said: “The WRU can confirm that Crumlin RFC has been deducted 10 league points following the fielding of an ineligible player in two separate fixtures.

“The 10-point deduction which was determined by the Union’s Competitions Management Committee on 6th May has been formalised following the completion of a seven-day window in which the club had the right to appeal.

“As a result of the points deduction, RTB Ebbw Vale has been successfully promoted, and the new league structure will be released to all clubs in the coming weeks.

“Both clubs have been officially informed of the outcome this morning.”

Crumlin are not the only side in East Four to suffer punishment, with Crickhowell, Bedwellty and Whitehead also being docked points this season.

Next season, RTB Ebbw Vale will be playing in Admiral National League Three East, with the likes of Nantyglo, New Panteg and Fleur de Lys.

Crumlin will remain in East Four and will be going up against the likes of Abertysswg and Oakdale, who have dropped down from the division above.

Crumlin RFC declined to comment when approached by WalesOnline.