The RFU recently launched a scheme to protect the sport's values

West Midlands clubs Shipston-on-Stour and Old Yardleians have been banned from Rugby Football Union National Cups and deducted four points each.

Their Senior Vase first round tie on 19 September was abandoned after a brawl after 65 minutes and they were charged with failure to control their players.

Warwickshire side Shipston, who had been leading 28-5, have been disqualified from this season's Vase.

Birmingham's Old Yardleians will be excluded from cups next season.

Old Yardleians number eight Ben Honey has been suspended for 18 weeks for verbally abusing the referee during the Vase game. He will be free to return on 27 January.

Panel chairman Mike Hamlin said: "The image of the game is extremely important and that is also a factor we have taken into account.

"We need to get the message through that verbal abuse and inappropriate touching of referees is not to be tolerated."

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