Geraint John was appointed the Welsh Rugby Union's community director in 2019 after three years as head of rugby performance
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) will step up its crackdown on payments in community rugby in the new year.
In a letter sent to all clubs, the union underlines the responsibilities of clubs, their investigation processes and sanctions.
The WRU says nine clubs have confirmed they will pay players and not sign a compliance document.
In the letter, the union says it "will not tolerate inappropriate payments to players in the community game".
The WRU - the governing body of rugby from elite to grassroots level in Wales - wants to eliminate payments to players at all levels below the Indigo Premiership.
In July 2023, it sent out a new 'statement of integrity and declaration of compliance' which laid out "scenarios that were applicable to justify a material or non-material benefit to players".
The letter sent to all clubs from community director Geraint John says: "It is clear that payments to players is still a critical issue for many clubs in Wales and within the first three months of the season the WRU has received a number of disclosures with evidence relating to payment to players in the community game."
The WRU says there will be an amnesty period during December for clubs to notify any change of circumstances to their declaration.
From 1 January 2024, clubs who are found to have breached the regulations after a three-stage investigation process will face a number of sporting and financial sanctions.
For a first offence they will be required to repay core grants from the WRU for the period, be deducted points and denied any promotion.
For a second offence they will additionally be fined £1,000 per season in breach, be automatically relegated and have membership rights suspended for two seasons.
