Rugby League head coach hit with 18-month ban after ‘serious’ breach of safety protocol | Rugby | sport

Sheffield Eagles boss Mark Aston has been banned from coaching for 18 months.

The 57-year-old was suspended in July for the Championship game while the Rugby Football League (RFL) investigated a medical compliance matter. Physiotherapist Mick Heys was also suspended.

The pair have been accused of breaching the RFL’s head injury rules after Matt Marsh faced Wigan in the Challenge Cup in March despite not being medically cleared following a head injury he suffered 13 days earlier against Swinton.

Aston has been manager of Sheffield Eagles since 2007 but will now not be able to return to any coaching role until April 30, 2026. Heys has been suspended from any medical role in rugby for 18 months, although six months of it is suspended for a period. year

The RFL’s statement on the matter said: “The alleged breaches relate to Matty Marsh’s appearance for the Eagles in their Betfred Challenge Cup tie at Wigan Warriors on March 22, 13 days after he suffered a head injury during a Betfred Championship game against Swinton Lions, and was not given the necessary medical clearance to return.

“Sheffield Eagles was a party to the Tribunal and the RFL hopes to reach an agreed decision with the Club in accordance with the Operating Rules and pending the outcome of any appeal process which may involve a substantial fine and a monitoring, improvement and education.

Sheffield also released a statement about the punishment, saying: “Sheffield Eagles have been notified of the outcome of the ORT held on Thursday 17 October as described in the RFL’s statement released at 2pm today afternoon

“On seeing the verdict, the club will make a formal statement once it has fully considered the verdict and received the necessary advice on how to proceed.”