Oxford Harlequins have been reinstated in the EDF Energy National Trophy after Bracknell were found to have fielded an ineligible player.

Quins lost the first-round tie 23-0 on October 18, but will now travel to Basingstoke in round two on November 22 after an RFU ruling.

Bracknell fielded second-team prop Gareth Staples in the clash, thinking he would be eligible, but he had not been registered for the competition.

Last season, Quins suffered a similar fate after playing flanker Mark Herbert against Barnstaple.

This is also the second time this season a Bracknell club has been ejected in favour of one from Oxford.

Oxford City gained a similar reprieve in football’s FA Cup, and went on to reach the fourth qualifying round.

With Basingstoke now in London 2 South, there is every chance Quins can go further in the national competition.

Quins secretary Keith Latham said: “It has come out of the blue.

“These things are looked through with a fine tooth comb by the RFU.

“We are delighted to be playing again.

“By then our squad will be much stronger. Hopefully we can do ourselves justice.”