Former Sheffield Eagles coach Mark Aston remains suspended after dropping RFL appeal
The sport's governing body has banned him from holding a senior position in rugby league until next year.
Last updated 18th Jun 2025
Former Sheffield Eagles coach Mark Aston is to remain suspended from holding a senior position within rugby league, after he withdrew an appeal against claims he'd broken the rules of the sport.
The RFL took action after deeming that the 57 year old had selected a player without the right medical clearance.
Of the appeals process, a spokesperson for the RFL said:
"The RFL has been disappointed by Mr Aston’s conduct throughout the process, stretching back to the circumstances surrounding his breach of the Operational Rules in March 2024, when Sheffield Eagles selected and fielded a player for a Betfred Challenge Cup tie at Wigan Warriors without receiving the necessary medical clearance."
"The process has required significant RFL resource, but this was deemed necessary because of the importance of the Operational Rules regarding head contact and the Graduated Return to Play protocols."
In a statement, Aston said the 'financial burden' of following through with the appeal had led to him dropping it.
"In the RFL's statement they said they were disappointed in my conduct throughout this process, but I would certainly say the same about them..." he wrote.
In a statement, the club wrote: "Sheffield Eagles are aware that the Rugby Football League has published a statement providing an update on Mark Aston’s appeal against the Off Field Operational Rules Tribunal decision."
"The club has not been party to the appeal process and will now engage with all parties involved in the appeal to understand the ruling and the position further.
"The club will make a further statement in due course when it is in a position to make comment."