BASINGSTOKE RFC have sacked head coach Will Croker, with chairman Steve Tristram and secretary David Crabbe also leaving their roles, as a result of a Rugby Football Union (RFU) probe into the decision to field an ineligible player under a false name.

A disciplinary panel found seven members of the club, including Croker, Tristram and Crabbe, guilty of charges under RFU Rule 5.12, conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union or the game, or which amounts to cheating.

All three, along with coach Niall Catlin and team manager Mark Randell, were handed suspensions for their part in the decision to play Chris Guyatt under a false name during a match against Guildford in September.

Guyatt and captain Freddie Gleadowe were also found guilty and formally reprimanded, but not banned.

As a result, Tristram and Crabbe have stepped down from their roles at the club, while Croker’s contract has been terminated. Randell had already resigned and Catlin has been relieved of his duties, while Gleadowe and Guyatt will receive official written warnings from the club.

Gareth Lewis will take over as head coach on an interim basis, assisted by Gavin Hart and Ben Stewart, who had been working under Croker. They will lead the side for Saturday’s trip to Cobham in London Two South.

See this week’s Gazette, on sale on New Year’s Day, for more on the crisis engulfing Basingstoke RFC.