Sale wing Tom Arscott has been sacked by the English Premiership club following a disciplinary investigation into an alleged leak of information to rivals Bristol where his brother Luke plays.
Arscott, who used to play for Bristol, had been suspended since January 4 after suspicions arose over whether he and his brother had discussed strategy when they met up on New Years Eve - Bristol recorded their first win of the season the following day defeating Sale 24-23.
"Sale Sharks have today terminated the contract of Tom Arscott with immediate effect following a disciplinary investigation and hearing," said Sale's chief executive Jon Dorsett in a statement.
"No further comment will be made in accordance with the club's disciplinary
procedure."
Bristol's coaching staff have denied receiving any information after the brothers met but the Rugby Football Union are investigating the matter.
Neither of the Arscott brothers played in the match. Tom was not included in Sale's 23-man squad, while Luke was an unused replacement.
