Oxford Harlequins director of rugby Matt Maudsley has hit out at the RFU's online player registration system after receiving a double punishment.

Quins, who were kicked out of the EDF Energy National Trophy, will also be docked two points in South West 1 for fielding an ineligible player.

Flanker Mark Herbert came off the bench against Cleve in the league and started at Paignton in the National Trophy - before suffering a double fracture of his left leg.

It later emerged he was still registered with Nottingham club Keyworth RFC, who he had played for occasionally while studying in the city.

Maudsley accepted Quins had made a mistake, but felt they had been hard done by.

Quins registered Herbert during the postal strike, while at the same time the RFU's 'rugby first' website, which handles registration, was out of action for two weeks.

Had either communication system been working, Maudsley felt the problem would have come to light.

"It is without doubt our fault for playing the player, but rugby clubs should not be expected to face these problems," said Maudsley.

"In short, we could not gain access to the updated lists as a result of the faults with the RFU electronic system and the delays brought about by the postal strike.

"We also felt that as a club we took all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with this regulation.

"Would a Premiership team be expected to wait two to three weeks to gain confirmation of a new players registration?"

Maudsley added: "The RFU's decision was based purely on the registration issue, although they agreed there were problems with the website and the postal system.

"That to me would seem unfortunate, but the regulations clearly state that you should not play a player who is not properly registered.

"It was just demoralising for me and the players because we put a lot of time and effort into training and have had two points snatched away from us.

"There are genuine problems with the RFU system.

"In our nine-year history we have never had any problems with registration before.

"But we won't be taking it further as we don't want to get their backs up."

Herbert, who had a pin inserted in his leg last week, said: "I wrote a letter to the RFU to explain. It was a completely honest mistake.

"When I joined Harlequins, I wrote on the form that I had been involved with Keyworth, but crossed it out as I didn't realise I had signed forms with them.

"I'm just gutted for the club because they are doing really well."