Rugby League player at centre of Mark Aston ban speaks out

After the Rugby Football League confirmed that Sheffield Eagles head coach Mark Aston would be suspended for 18 months, the player at the heart of the matter has had his say.

‘A bad day for rugby league’ is how Sheffield Eagles’ Matty Marsh, the player at the heart of the issue, reacted. Marsh would play for the Eagles just 13 days after failing a HIA despite the club doctor not signing off on that in clear breach of RFL rules.

Mark Aston was handed an 18-month suspension from ‘coaching in Rugby League or holding any senior position within the sport which might involve any influence over team selection’.

That came after he was found guilty of breaching the RFL’s Code of Conduct, specifically relating to the physical and mental well-being and safety of players.

Aston, who has coached Sheffield Eagles since 2007 but has been involved with the club for almost four decades after debuting for them in 1986 and later winning the Lance Todd trophy in the famous win over Wigan Warriors, was confirmed to be suspended back in July.

A statement from Sheffield Eagles confirmed that both Aston and the club physio, Mick Heys, had been suspended after the Championship side ‘were recently made aware of an investigation by the Rugby Football League’.

That concerned a ‘medical compliance matter’ and after Wednesday’s Operational Rules Tribunal, we now know more.

Rugby League player embroiled in coach ban speaks out

Wednesday’s tribunal confirmed that the incident at hand concerned Sheffield Eagles playing Matty Marsh in their Challenge Cup tie against Wigan Warriors on Friday, March 22nd. That was just 13 days after Marsh failed a Head Injury Assessment against Swinton Lions on the 9th of March.

RFL rules dictate that players must undergo a ‘Return to Play’ protocol after failing a HIA with the only person able to sign off on a player’s ability to return to play being a doctor.

Club doctor Hannah Cole did not sign off on Marsh being able to play against Wigan Warriors, however, he would line up in that game.

As such, Aston and Heys were charged over the incident and subsequently punished with Aston copping an 18-month suspension but due to his admission of guilt, Heys was handed a 12-month suspension.

Aston’s son, Corey, who is one of Sheffield’s star players took to Instagram to post an image of his Dad captioned: “Got you pal.”

Sharing that, Marsh would react: “Absolutely gutted. Gives everything for this club and its players. Real legend of rugby league. Only ever has the best interest of the lads and doesn’t deserve what’s happened. Bad day for rugby league.”

Aston’s suspension earlier in the season would see Sheffield Eagles tumble down the Championship table to the point where they eventually missed the play-offs on points difference, finishing seventh.

The RFL has been contacted for comment.

Full details of the case can be read here.