Two of England’s senior management staff Dave Alred and Paul Stridgeon have been hit with suspension ahead of the national side’s Rugby World Cup fixture against Scotland this weekend.
Fitness specialist Stridgeon and Jonny Wilkinson’s mentor Alred were found guilty of illegally switching balls during England’s 67-3 win over Romania a week ago.
The two members of management will not be permitted to enter Eden Park for the Pool B clash on Saturday.
"Those team management members took it upon themselves to substitute balls during the match in contravention of both the laws of the game and the spirit of the game,” an RFU statement read.
"The RFU fully accepts that the action of those team management members was incorrect and detrimental to the image of the tournament, the game and to English rugby.
"The RFU has therefore decided to reprimand those team management members, to warn them as to their future conduct and to suspend them from participation in England's next game, the match between England and Scotland."
Meanwhile, as expected, Delon Armitage will replace Mark Cueto on the left wing for Martin Johnson’s side against their Scottish opponents.
