Explaining their decision, the Panel of Inquiry said external-link Keats applied for an ancestry visa when he arrived in the UK in July as his maternal grandfather was born in England.
But his application was apparently rejected and then team manager Mike Scott falsified a player registration form by stating Keats was English and had been born in Christchurch.
It's clear to us the club isn't responsible in this case. We feel very harshly done by. He went extremely out of his way to do what he's done on both organisations, and I think it's a shame a panel that's there to protect the integrity of the sport is punishing the sport itself.
Scott is the subject of a separate RFU disciplinary hearing relating to Keats' registration. He has accepted a caution from the police after admitting fraud by false representation. It is understood that Keats, 31, who joined the club from now-defunct Italian side Aironi, was ineligible for nine of the 14 top-flight games he has featured in this season.
Welsh, who had to go through an RFU appeals procedure last summer just to secure their Premiership place, are currently locked in a relegation battle with Sale Sharks and London Irish with five games of the season remaining. Sale occupy bottom spot at the moment, with London Welsh three points clear of them and Irish a further two ahead in 10th place.
Should the hearing go against the Exiles they face the possibility of a hefty points deduction - which could be enough to relegate them - as well as a probable fine. London Welsh's former rugby manager Mike Scott is also the subject of a separate RFU disciplinary hearing relating to Keats' registration.
He has been charged under RFU Rule 5. Scott's case will be heard at a later date. The Exiles may hope for some leniency after they themselves brought the matter to the RFU's attention having conducted an internal investigation in February. In a statement at the time, chief executive Tony Copsey said: 'This is obviously a serious matter which the club has not only brought to the attention of the RFU, but is also working closely with the RFU to provide full co-operation while the case is being prepared and ultimately heard.
Registration issues: Keats is supposed to be ineligible for nine games this season. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Argos AO. Privacy Policy Feedback. Ruling: London Welsh will attend the hearing over Tyson Keats. Take down: Keats is tackled by Saracens' Jackson Wray.
Share this article Share. Share or comment on this article: London Welsh set for hearing over 'ineligible' Tyson Keats e-mail. Comments 15 Share what you think. Not registered? Register here. The Exiles are charged with fielding an ineligible player - scrum-half Tyson Keats above - in "a number" of Premiership games this season.
It is understood year-old Keats, who joined the club from now-defunct Italian side Aironi, was ineligible for nine of the 14 top-flight games he has featured in this season. Welsh, who had to go through an RFU appeals procedure last summer just to secure their Premiership place, are currently locked in a relegation battle with Sale Sharks and London Irish with five games of the season remaining. Sale occupy bottom spot at the moment, with London Welsh three points clear of them and Irish a further two ahead in 10th place.
Should the hearing go against the Exiles, they face the possibility of a hefty points deduction - which could be enough to relegate them - as well as a probable fine.
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