Sheffield Eagles boss Mark Aston banned for 18 months

Club legend Aston was suspended on a no-fault basis by the Eagles in July alongside head physio Mick Heys.

However, the pair have now been suspended by the RFL following the conclusion of an Operational Rules Tribunal held on October 17.

The alleged breaches concerned the appearance of ex-Knights star Matty Marsh during Sheffield’s Betfred Challenge Cup sixth round tie at eventual winners Wigan Warriors on March 22, 13 days after he had suffered a head injury against Swinton Lions.

It was alleged that the full-back had returned to play without having received the necessary medical clearance to do so.

Marsh made over a century of appearances for York and was among the scorers as the Eagles fell to a 44-18 defeat.

The alleged breaches concern fielding ex-Knights favourite Matty Marsh without the necessary medical clearance. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography) Aston, who has led Sheffield since 2007, is now forbidden from coaching in rugby league or holding any senior role influencing team selection until April 30, 2026.

Heys has also been suspended from holding a medical position for 18 months, however six months of his sentence has been suspended for 12 months in recognition that he “admitted his conduct at the outset” and “has apologised and expressed significant remorse”. As a result, his suspension runs until October 31, 2025.

All parties were given 14 days from October 22 to appeal against the verdicts.

The RFL said in a statement: "Sheffield Eagles were a party to the tribunal and the RFL expects to reach an agreed decision with the club pursuant to operational rules and pending the outcome of any appeal process which is likely to involve a considerable fine and a monitoring, improvement and educational plan."

Tribunal Chair Judge Batty said: “These are very serious breaches of the Operational Rules designed to protect the welfare of those who play the game.

“For the reasons set out above the penalties for those who breach these rules must be significant.

“Head contact has become a serious issue in professional rugby in both codes of the game. Both codes have recognised the need to implement rule changes, safety procedures and medical protocols in order to lessen the incidence of head contact and the impact of it upon those who play.

“The processes adopted are the result of detailed research and consultation with many medical experts. They are accepted to be the minimum standard to ensure the safety of those who play the game.

“The rules are detailed and specific and most of all are to be rigidly observed. The RFL has a responsibility to ensure that those who play, coach, manage and run the teams in the game and those who provide medical assistance within the game abide by those rules. As stated above, they are a minimum standard in respect of player welfare.

“The GRTP [Graduated Return to Play protocol] is a policy that was deliberately designed to be overseen by a doctor or appropriately qualified healthcare equivalent. Only those deemed qualified are permitted to make a final assessment as to the fitness and therefore availability of a player subject to the process.

“The consequences of a player returning to contact without the appropriate assessment could increase the risk of long term cognitive or neurological disorders.

“As the RFL rightly describes it in their skeleton the GRTP is a safeguard in the Medical Standards which form an important part of the Operational Rules and it should be strictly adhered to. Player welfare is and should be paramount.

“Those who fail to comply with the rules must be brought to account.”