Johnson: Blood abuse is not widespread

Martin Johnson last night insisted the touchline cheating exposed by the Harlequins ’Bloodgate’ scandal has no place in his England set-up.

The spotlight was turned on England at the weekend with reports that Harlequins’ internal inquiry had heard allegations of cheating at all levels of the professional game.

But Johnson believes the practice of faking blood injuries – whether by use of a capsule, deliberate cutting or re-opening old wounds – is not endemic in the game.

He told Radio Five Live: “I don’t think it is widespread. It is certainly not widespread in my experience as a player and with the England team this year managing it.

“Have things like that happened before? I think you would be naive to say they haven’t. Is it widespread? No, I don’t think it is.

“In saying that, it has happened at Harlequins.”