Richards awaits more news over ban

Dean Richards was today waiting to discover whether he will face further punishment for masterminding the Harlequins ’Bloodgate’ scandal.

Richards yesterday saw his three-year coaching ban made worldwide by the International Rugby Board on the advice of an independent appeals committee, which on Monday night suspended the former Quins director of rugby from coaching in ERC-organised tournaments.

Former England forward Richards, whose career and reputation now lie in tatters, could now see his ban extended by the Rugby Football Union, who are set to examine documents which show Harlequins players faked blood injuries on at least five occasions.

The last of those was the April 12 Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat to Leinster in which wing Tom Williams burst a fake blood capsule in his mouth so substituted drop-goal specialist Nick Evans could re-enter the field of play.

Richards, 46, and former club physiotherapist Steph Brennan admitted orchestrating a cover-up that had involved Williams’ mouth being deliberately cut in the dressing room to hide the offence.