Many thanks for the replies, I have given it some thought and looked up the RFU rules for this type of play and it is ok as long as the ball is played eg passed back as it was or getting to the feet and playing, there is no problem with the action.
Glad it is clarified, thanks again.
Sorry to be late on this. I see you have answered your own question
FYI, Law 14 deals with all situations where the ball is on the ground, or a player who has not been tackled is on the ground with the ball.
[TEXTAREA]Law 14 Ball on the Ground - No Tackle
DEFINITIONS
This situation occurs when the ball is available on the ground and a player goes to ground to gather the ball, except immediately after a scrum or a ruck.
It also occurs when a player is on the ground in possession of the ball and has not been tackled.
The Game is to be played by players who are on their feet. A player must not make the ball unplayable by falling down. Unplayable means that the ball is not immediately available to either team so that play may continue.
A player who makes the ball unplayable, or who obstructs the opposing team by falling down, is negating the purpose and Spirit of the Game and must be penalised.
A player who is not tackled, but who goes to ground while holding the ball, or a player who goes to ground and gathers the ball, must act immediately.
14.1 PLAYERS ON THE GROUND
(a) A player with the ball must immediately do one of three things:
• Get up with the ball
•
Pass the ball
• Release the ball.
Sanction: Penalty kick
(b) A player who passes or releases the ball must also get up or move away from it at once.
Sanction: Penalty kick
(c) A player without the ball must not lie on, over, or near the ball to prevent opponents getting possession of it.
Sanction: Penalty kick
(d) A player on the ground must not tackle or attempt to tackle an opponent.
Sanction: Penalty kick
14.2 PLAYERS ON THEIR FEET
(a) Falling over the player on the ground with the ball. A player must not intentionally fall on or over a player with the ball who is lying on the ground.
Sanction: Penalty kick
(b) Falling over players lying on the ground near the ball. A player must not intentionally fall on or over players lying on the ground with the ball between them or near them.
Sanction: Penalty kick[/TEXTAREA]
So, what your player did was OK because after falling on the the ball, he acted immediately i.a.w. Law 14.1 (a). What he would not have been allowed to do was fall on the ball and cover it up to prevent the opponent getting to it, and then remain coving it up or holding onto it on the ground.
Another thing to keep in mind is that players can approach this area from any direction. It is a common mistake I see with inexperienced referees at grass roots level; they penalise players for entering this area from the side, but in fact this is NOT a tackle situation so there is no gate.