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Harlequins could face further disciplinary action as a result of revelations in the ‘bloodgate’ scandal which has effectively cost their rugby director Dean Richards his career following a three-year global ban.
Richards resigned from English Premiership club Quins last week and on Monday the former England No.8 was sensationally banned by tournament organisers European Rugby Cup (ERC) for three years.
The International Rugby Board (IRB) confirmed on Tuesday that the ERC ban, in line with the sport’s regulations, would be globally enforceable across all competitions and jurisdictions – a move which effectively leaves Richards without a career in rugby.
Richards’ dramatic fall from grace centres on an incident where Harlequins’ Tom Williams used fake blood during a home European Cup quarter-final against eventual champions Leinster on April 12 to create the appearance of a cut in his mouth in order to allow a substitute onto the field.
Monday’s hearing also revealed that there had been four previous occasions in non-ERC tournaments when Richards and team physio Steph Brennan, banned from European competitions for two years, had fabricated a wound or blood injury.
The IRB’s statement also means Brennan is banned from all competitions worldwide.
Williams, the player at the centre of the scandal, saw Monday’s hearing reduce his 12-month playing ban to four months while Quins saw their fine increased from 250,000 euros ($A428,669) to 300,000 euros ($A514,403).
However, while that appears to be the end of this matter, the revelation about the other incidents prompted the RFU to issue a statement on Tuesday.
“Given the disclosure in yesterday’s (Monday’s) appeal hearing of further incidents of a similar nature in other competitions we are awaiting the full documentation from ERC to enable us to review whether there is further action the RFU needs to take against the club, its current or former officials, on those other incidents.
“We will issue a further statement when we have properly reviewed the documentation.”
However, Brennan was suspended from his England role with immediate effect.
“In keeping with our commitment to uphold the ERC bans, Steph is immediately suspended from his role as England Team physio pending completion of the review process required under RFU employment policies,” the RFU said.
Williams was found guilty of faking a blood injury so he could be replaced in the closing minutes at the Twickenham Stoop, the London side’s home ground, to allow first-choice goal-kicker Nick Evans back onto the field with Quins trailing 6-5.
But the move ultimately failed with the New Zealander unable to land the winning points.
Tuesday’s IRB statement saw the global governing body proclaim “zero tolerance” of cheating.
“ERC has sent out a strong message that there is no room for such conduct in Rugby,” the IRB said.
“The IRB operates a zero tolerance policy towards cheating of any form in the game.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.