London – English club Bath have been charged by Premiership Rugby after allowing No 8 Taulupe Faletau to play for Wales against South Africa in Cardiff last weekend.

The allegation relates to the Premiership Rugby Board policy around international duty and specifically Faletau being released outside the periods specified in World Rugby Regulation 9.

“Bath have seven days to respond to the allegation and once that time has passed Premiership Rugby will issue a further update. Premiership Rugby will make no further comment until that time,” read a statement from the English rugby governing body.

Faletau played in Wales’ 24-22 win over the Springboks when his Bath side were facing Exeter in the English Premiership.