Friday 13 April 2018 08:49, UK
Agent Matt Hart has been banned for 22 months after being found guilty of breaching World Rugby and RFU regulations on betting.
Hart, also found to have breached regulations regarding non-cooperation with RFU anti-corruption officers, works for the Stellar Management Group, who boast England international Maro Itoje among their rugby clients.
He was charged with betting on the outcome and/or any aspect of an event and receiving part or all of the proceeds of such betting on more than 1,400 matches.
The secondary RFU charge related to Hart's failure to cooperate with the investigation.
Hart was found guilty by a three-man disciplinary panel chaired by Philip Evans QC, who was joined by Tim Ward QC and Gareth Graham.
The suspension begins immediately and will end on February 11, 2020.
After the outcome was announced, RFU anti-corruption officer Alys Lewis said: "This decision unequivocally demonstrates that any activity which undermines the integrity of our sport, and exposes players and rugby to potential integrity issues, will be treated seriously by the RFU.
"The sums of money involved and the frequency and duration of the betting, coupled with the lack of cooperation with the RFU's investigation, have all contributed to a substantial suspension from rugby union which is welcomed by the RFU."
