"The HBRU have apologised to the Madison Trophy participating clubs and, in particular, Hastings Rugby and Sports for not enforcing rule 7c in attempting to find a solution to Havelock North RFC's obvious breach of the rules."
Under the official competition rules, Havelock North should have been banned from playing in the Madison Trophy final for disregarding rule 7c of the HBRU Club Rugby Rules for Club Rugby Competitions.
Hastings Rugby and Sports club spokesman Mark Sowman said the club made their position very clear to the board and they made disciplinary recommendations.
His club believed Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports should have been awarded the final by default after Havelock North played Ottley and Maui when they knew they weren't registered.
"We could have protested after the game but we did not want to be accused of being poor losers and sour grapes as we were beaten on the field and protesting after the fact.
"Had we known, we might well have let them play as they were long-standing and recognised team members rather than some ring-ins," Sowman said.
Further disciplinary action against Havelock North for the breach will be enforced prior to the 2016 Club Rugby season.
