LINDFIELD rugby union club has been given a dishonourable discharge from one of Sydney’s best rugby union competitions for cheating.

The 97-year-old north shore rugby union club — nicknamed the Old Soldier — was kicked out of the Kentwell Cup division one suburban rugby union competition.

The NSWSRU integrity committee found Lindfield guilty of breaching the game’s amateur status by paying a player. And the penalties for Lindfield — founded in 1919 — were severe, including:

* Being expelled from all five grades this season, effective immediately;

* The paid player, former West Harbour star Tala Moli, being de-registered from suburban rugby for five years.

* Club recruitment manager, Pat Lang, being banned from any on or off field position in suburban rugby for life.

* Lindfield first grade coach, Adam Coughlan, being banned from on or off field position in suburban rugby for five years.

* The club’s application for 2017 only be allowed under strict conditions including each Lindfield team start next season on minus 10 points, the club be placed on a $10,000 bond for the next five years and that NSW Suburban have input into the club’s board.

Former West Harbour player Tala Moli is at the centre of the controversy. Source: News Corp Australia

NSW Suburban wrote: “The subbies board and integrity committee are extremely disappointed to have to take such harsh measures. However, they are determined to stamp out payment of players in subbies rugby and want to make it loud and clear to all subbies clubs — if you are caught paying players the consequences for your club will be dire.”

The club’s committee has stood down. Lindfield had qualified for semi-finals this weekend in second and third grades. Those grades will now forfeit.

Lindfield players took to social media to express their frustration at what they claimed was an “excessive and harsh” penalty.

Rivals suburban rugby clubs were also stunned at the severity of the punishment.

NSWRU introduced the non-payment for players rule three years ago.

Lindfield president, Byron Stuntz, issued a statement outlining how the drama unfolded.

“The findings relate to a player who was remunerated $600 by a member of the Lindfield committee from his own pocket and without the knowledge of the rest of committee, to play three second grade games and as a substitute in two first grade games,” Stuntz wrote.

Lindfield has been kicked out of the suburban first division competition. Picture: Troy Snook Source: News Corp Australia

“The sanctions imposed are disappointing for all our players, supporters, sponsors and members of our community, particularly for those teams who were in contention to play finals footy this year. We deeply regret that these events have had such a devastating effect on our mates.

“While we acknowledge the findings of the NSWSRU integrity committee, we would like to emphasise that the current committee was unaware of the matters that have led to this finding until recently. In light of the seriousness of the situation, the committee considers it is in the best interests of the club that they stand down to allow an interim board of experienced internal and external Lindfield community members to be formed and consider the best course of action moving forward.

“Although the current Linfield rugby union committee considers the penalties excessive and ought to be appealed, it will be up to the interim board to review and determine the most appropriate course of action in the coming days. Lindfield senior rugby club is proudly 97 years old, having been founded by Australian military servicemen returning home following World War I. This is a tough time for our club however we will come through this hardship stronger than ever.”