Featherstone prop Darrell Griffin has been sacked for making unauthorised rugby union appearances

Veteran prop Darrell Griffin has been sacked by Featherstone due to a serious breach of contract.

The 36-year-old, formerly of Wakefield, Huddersfield, Leeds and Salford, was suspended in December pending an internal investigation on grounds of gross misconduct.

Griffin was found to have made three unauthorised appearances for Morley RFC without written permission from Featherstone.

The forward, who joined the Championship club ahead of the 2016 season, signed a new one-year deal in August which stated he must not play rugby union.

Featherstone general manager Davide Longo said: "A player's contract is designed to protect both the player and the club and any breach of it, on either side, has to be taken very seriously.

"We have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to gross misconduct. Without this, you set a dangerous precedent.

"We are undoubtedly disappointed by Darrell's decision to play another contact sport while under contract with the club.

"RFL players' contracts clearly state that permission to do so must be granted, in writing, by a chief executive or chairman.

"Darrell did not seek such permission and, given the club's position and desire to achieve as much as possible in 2018, it would not have been granted under any circumstances.

"At the time of agreeing Darrell's new contract, we made it extremely clear that he was not to play rugby union. This condition was added to his written contract, which Darrell signed in August 2017."

Griffin appealed against the decision at a hearing on January 5 but the club's decision was upheld.