PRA chief says Williams ban excessive

THE ENGLISH Professional Rugby Players’ Association chief Damian Hopley has criticised the 12-month ban handed to Tom Williams as “entirely disproportionate”.

The Harlequins winger was suspended for a year after being found guilty of fabricating an injury.

The PRA said it planned to “take appropriate action” once the full written judgement is released.

“For Tom to be singled out and handed a 12-month ban is excessive and entirely disproportionate,” said Hopley.

“It is an extraordinary decision.”

Harlequins were fined £215,000 (€248,000) (with 50% suspended for two years) for the incident in their 6-5 Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat by Leinster on 12 April.

Fly-half Nick Evans departed injured in the 47th minute, before his replacement at number 10 Chris Malone was also helped off hurt later in the second half. Evans – the team’s main goalkicker and a drop-goal specialist – then reappeared after Williams, who seemed to have blood around his mouth, departed the action.

Television footage – which formed part of the evidence looked at by the ERC panel, along with statements from several witnesses – appeared to show Williams winking as he left the pitch.

With the match on a knife-edge, Evans had a late attempt at a drop-goal to put Quins into the semi-finals, but his effort was wide.

Hopley contrasted Williams’ 12-month ban with the less severe punishments handed out to South Africa flanker Schalk Burger for eye-gouging and to former Bath lock Justin Harrison for admitting three drug-related charges.

“In recent weeks we have seen players found guilty of eye-gouging receiving bans of between eight and 12 weeks, and another player found guilty of misconduct receive an eight-month ban,” added Hopley.

“Tom Williams is a player of unquestionable character.

“His performances for Harlequins demonstrate an excellent work ethic, and his disciplinary record – one yellow card following persistent team infringements in seven years as a professional player – speaks for itself.”

Meanwhile, The International Rugby Board – the sport’s governing body – said it supported the ban imposed on Williams.

“It is a strong deterrent. There is no room in the game for cheating,” said an IRB statement.

Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards and two members of the club’s medical team had misconduct complaints dismissed against them.

Leinster, declined to comment on the matter when contacted last night.