Medway’s punishment for player registration infringements should lead to a nationwide investigation, according to one of their Kent rivals.

London 2 South East side, Dartfordians, want the RFU to investigate the inner-workings of clubs across Kent and beyond.

Rumours and accusations with regard to the conduct of others has been rife ever since the RFU reprimanded Medway after they admitted to providing overseas players with ‘material benefits’.

Free accommodation and paid-for flights were deemed to break the RFU’s policy on amateur player status. Medway have appealed against the decision to relegate them from London 1 South and dock the club 25 points for the 2016/17 season.

Medway claimed their mistakes were genuine errors and it was they who approached the RFU in the first place, claiming one of their players was being poached by a rival club. Medway, who have so far declined to comment, will have their appeal heard on March 24.

The RFU said themselves that all clubs are “strongly encouraged to pay very careful attention” to the Medway verdict but Dartfordians director of rugby Dave Phillips is disappointed with the way one club has been singled out.

Speaking with the backing of the club’s senior board members, he said: “Having a good understanding of the issues, it appears that they are being punished having gone to the RFU themselves with honest intentions.

“It is harsh what has happened. They have asked the RFU for help with an issue and ended up getting punished.

“What message does that send out to other clubs? It seems unfair that the RFU are going to make an example of them and that nobody else is going to be investigated.

“We believe that education would be preferable to punishment. The RFU need to look at all clubs, not just in Kent, across the country and they can start with us if they want.”

Responding to Dartfordians’ comments, an RFU spokesperson said: “Medway has exercised its right to appeal the decision of the disciplinary hearing held in January and that appeal will be heard later this month. It would be inappropriate to comment until after their appeal has been heard.”

Fellow Kent side Deal & Betteshanger labelled the punishment as "draconian" last month.