The Rugby Football Union has upheld Harlequins’ narrow win over Bath despite apologising for an officiating error that saw the lock, Irné Herbst, return to the field early after a yellow card.

Herbst was sent to the sin bin in the 63rd minute of Saturday’s Premiership clash that ended 40-36 in Quins’ favour, but came back on after only seven of the prescribed 10 minutes.

With Bath in the midst of a rousing comeback which saw them score 33 unanswered points, the South African made at least one important tackle during the time he should have been out of action.

Bath’s head coach, Johann van Graan, complained to the referee after the match but, after assessing the issue, the RFU’s professional game match officials team declined to take any further action over the mistake.

A statement read: “The RFU Professional Game Match Officials Team (PGMOT) acknowledge and apologise for an error during the Gallagher Premiership match between Harlequins v Bath where a yellow card sanction resulted in Herbst returning to the pitch approximately three minutes too soon.

“We would like to apologise to both teams for this mistake. As is the usual process the PGMOT will review all games to ensure continued improvement and learnings. The result of the match remains final.”

Source: theguardian.com