French club Agen have been banned from competitions organised by ERC Ltd for two seasons for bringing the game of rugby into disrepute. A statement issued on behalf of ERC Ltd, by Westgate Sports Agency said. "A Disciplinary Committee appointed by ERC met in Dublin today (Thursday, 21 February) to hear a misconduct complaint brought against Agen (SUALG) regarding heir Round 6 Parker Pen Shield Pool 1 match at Ebbw Vale on 12 January, 2002."

"The Disciplinary Committee, chairman Peter Boyle (Ireland), Jack Kirwan (Ireland) and Mick Dickson (England) upheld the misconduct complaint that the Agen club contrived to achieve a particular result thereby bringing the PARKER PEN SHIELD tournament and the game of rugby into disrepute and imposed the following sanctions on Agen:"

a) a fine of EURO 20,000 (twenty thousand euro),

b) Agen be banned from participation in competitions organised by ERC (European Rugby Cup Ltd) for seasons 2002/2003 and 2003/2004,

c) costs of the hearing.

Agen have the right of Appeal.