Premiership Rugby Charge Bath over Faletau Release

Premiership Rugby have charged Bath after allowing Wales No. 8 Taulupe Faletau to play against South Africa last weekend.

The club have allegedly breached Premiership Rugby Board policy around internationals after the British & Irish Lion was released outside the periods specified in World Rugby Regulation 9.

Faletau joined the Blue, Black & Whites in the summer of 2016 from Newport Gwent Dragons on the proviso that he would be released to play in all of Wales' internationals.

"Bath have seven days to respond to the allegation and once that time has passed Premiership Rugby will issue a further update. Premiership Rugby will make no further comment until that time," read a statement.

If the club are found to be in breach, the most likely punishment would be a heavy fine, as was the case when George North was released from Northampton Saints in 2013, while a points deduction is also an option.