Banned Richards could face further punishment

DEAN RICHARDS may face further punishment for masterminding the Harlequins ‘Bloodgate’ scandal after his three-year ban was made global yesterday.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) confirmed Richards will be unable to coach anywhere in the world on the advice of an independent appeals committee, which suspended the former Quins director of rugby from coaching in ERC-organised tournaments on Monday night.

Richards, whose career and reputation now lie in tatters, took full responsibility for an incident which saw wing Tom Williams fake a blood injury during the April 12 Heineken Cup defeat to Leinster. Williams burst a fake blood capsule in his mouth so that substituted drop-goal specialist Nick Evans could re-enter the field of play with Quins trailing 6-5.