However, no details of the amount or the player's identity have been disclosed.

A statement released by ERL said: ''The board of England Rugby Limited met today and decided to impose a financial penalty on Bath Rugby Club because of administrative errors regarding player registration.

''Bath Rugby Club have 14 days to appeal.''

At least Bath have avoided points being docked at a critical stage of the Premiership campaign.

They are currently second heading into tomorrow's Kingsholm clash against leaders Gloucester.

Bath have already qualified for the title play-offs, and two points from tomorrow's game would guarantee them a home semi-final on May 18.