Three Year Ban for Richards

Dean Richards who had resigned as coach of Harlequins was yesterday banned for three years by a European Rugby Cup (ERC) disciplinary panel for his part in the blood substitute incident during the Heineken Cup semi final between Harlequins and Leinster.

The player involved, Tom Williams originally banned for 12 months had that suspension reduced on appeal to four months last night and will now be able to resume playing on November 20.

The Appeals Committee also increased Harlequins’ fine from 250,000  to 300,000 euros and while originally half the sum had been deferred for 12 months, this time around the full amount must be paid

Physiotherapist Steph Brennan was handed a two-year ban after an admission of guilt, but the appeal committee dismissed the charge against Dr Wendy Chapman from the club’s medical staff. It had been reported that when Williams’ was in the dressing-room – and with Leinster team doctor Arthur Tanner outside demanding evidence of the injury – he had the inside of his mouth cut to hide the fact that he had used a fake blood capsule.

When asked about this Richards said: “I have no knowledge of that. I wasn’t party to anything going on there. I’m not aware that it did happen. I know that he had a cut but I don’t know how it came about because I wasn’t in the room.”

The decision to dismiss charges against club medic Chapman was upheld after the appeals committee decided it lacked jurisdiction in her case.