Aviva Premiership side London Welsh have lost their appeal against a five-point deduction and £15,000 fine for fielding an ineligible player.

The Exiles were hit with the punishment after falsifying Tyson Keats's registration form at the start of the season, with the five-point deduction leaving them bottom of the table.

Welsh chief executive Tony Copsey said that the club were "hugely disappointed and shocked" following the initial verdict, but the RFU have upheld their decision despite a strong appeal.

RFU's official Twitter page stated: "London Welsh appeal decision: five points immediate deduction remains; five points suspended deduction removed; £15,000 fine payable within 21 days."

The further five-point deduction which was due to come into place at the start next season has been removed.