The Board of Directors of Halifax RLFC have concluded their investigation of the circumstances surrounding the appearance of an ineligible player in the Carnegie Challenge Cup tie at Swinton.

That investigation has shown that the breakdown in the Club’s procedures arose as a consequence of the absence of the Football Director Martin Hall at material times both relating to the signing and playing of the Player concerned and a failure to ensure that compliance was properly managed in his absence by others.

This conclusion is acknowledged by Martin Hall who has tendered his resignation which has been accepted.

In the circumstances the Board do not consider that there is a case to continue a disciplinary procedure against Matt Calland and have lifted his suspension and invited him to return to full duties with immediate effect.

The investigation has necessarily disrupted preparation for the important game against Barrow Raiders. However, its conclusion, enables all to pull together with no further basis for recrimination. The process was necessary to ensure that the correct conclusions were reached, and lessons learned for the future.

Michael Steele, Chairman of the Club said: “Martin Hall joined the Club when its fortunes, on and off the field, were at a low ebb. Since then, on a playing level, there has been consistent performance in the upper end of the Co-operative Championship, and under his coaching and that of his nominated successor, Matt Calland, a style of attacking Rugby which has been a delight to watch. He will be missed.”