JOHN Brain has called on the Rugby Football Union to impose a 'draconian' punishment on Rotherham if they are found guilty of financial irregularities.

Worcester's director of rugby is awaiting the RFU inquiry into alleged financial misconduct by the Millmoor club.

Rotherham clinched the National One title on Saturday but they will not know whether they are to be promoted to the Zurich Premiership until the results of an independent investigation, headed by Anthony Arlidge, QC, are published.

Rotherham are under investigation because of allegations that they agreed to sacrifice promotion last season in return for payments from Premiership clubs.

The results of the inquiry are expected to be revealed in the next few weeks and with Worcester finishing in second spot, it is they who could be the major beneficiaries if Rotherham are denied a place in the top flight.

If found guilty, though, Brain believes Rotherham's punishment should fit the crime.

"It's totally unprecedented in the English game so we don't really know what to expect," said Brain. "However if they are found guilty of these allegations then the punishment has to be draconian.

"This goes right to the core of English rugby. People want to see fair play, they want to see honesty in the sport.

"I don't think you can just deduct four or eight points. The punishment has to reflect the seriousness of the issue.

"A few years ago in football, Swindon Town were relegated because of financial irregularities and in Australian Rugby League, the top team were put straight to the bottom.

"Precedents have been set in other sports. Now everyone is looking at what English rugby union will do."

Meanwhile, following his sending-off for Worcester in Saturday's National One clash with Birmingham & Solihull, Tony Windo has been summoned to an RFU disciplinary panel on Tuesday, May 20.

Ironically, after the final home game of the season, Windo then picked up the Sixways supporters' player of the season award following the red card.