Friday 24 April 2020 12:38, UK
Sale have been given a suspended five-point deduction for their role in Rohan Janse van Rensburg signing contracts with both them and Gloucester, while the South Africa centre has been banned for two weeks.
Van Rensburg joined Sale on a permanent basis ahead of the 2018-19 season after a loan stint - but the Rugby Football Union revealed he had also signed a deal with Gloucester.
The 25-year-old was charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game contrary to RFU rule 5.12, while Sale were charged with breaches of RFU regulation 7.5 relating to approaches to players.
The RFU said both club and player accepted the charges.
The dates of Van Rensburg's two-week suspension will be determined once more details of the playing calendar become available.
A fine of £32,500 has also been levied, of which £25,000 will go to Gloucester to reimburse the Premiership club for monies which were given to Van Rensburg but not repaid.
Sale, meanwhile, were given a suspended five-point deduction for the next two seasons on condition they do not breach RFU regulation seven during that time, while they have also been fined £20,000.
"There is a right of appeal against this decision," the RFU added in a statement.
Responding to the decision, Gloucester said in a brief statement on their website: "Gloucester Rugby is now considering its position in relation to legal proceedings to recover compensation which the independent disciplinary panel confirmed Gloucester Rugby was free to pursue."
