RFU charges Jersey RFC and Maidment over suspension

Jersey RFC and forward Ben Maidment are to appear before a Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing in relation to the number eight's suspension last month.

Maidment received a one-week ban after his red card in a pre-season friendly.

The RFU says a pre-season game against Le Rheu, planned for during Maidment's ban, did not go ahead and accuses the club of failing to inform officials.

BBC South West Sport understands the club plans to contest the charge but they will co-operate with the hearing.

Maidment played against Plymouth Albion in Jersey's first Championship game of the season on 15 September.

Both Maidment and the club have been charged with "failure to act towards the RFU with utmost good faith and/or conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Union and/or the Game".

"Jersey RFC acknowledges the charges brought against the club by the RFU," read an official club statement.

"The club is co-operating fully in relation to these charges and will present its submission ahead of the scheduled hearing.

"Until the outcome of the hearing, JRFC is not at liberty to discuss issues relating to the charges against both the club and Ben Maidment, and therefore until such time, no further comment will be made."

The hearing will take place on Friday 11 October at the Gatwick Holiday Inn, starting at 1830 BST.

Maidment, who joined from the Cornish Pirates at the end of last season, was ordered to pay £250 towards the original hearing costs.