Quins Former Boss Banned Worldwide
Harlequins boss Dean Richards has been banned to all competitions around the world by the International Rugby Board after what has become a notorious incident during the Heineken Cup.
Due to his part in a fake blood injury, Richards has now barred from European competitions for three years.
The Rugby Football Union has also confirmed that former Quins physio Steph Brennan, now with England, has been suspended for two years.
The punishment is a result of an incident during the Heineken Cup tie against Leinster in April when player Tom Williams faked injury to allow fly-half Nick Evans to return to the field.
Along with the RFU announcing that all three would be banned from English matches, the event’s European Rugby Cup (ERC) handed out heavy bans as well, with Brennan suspended for two years and Williams barred for four months.
Orginally, Williams’ sentence was for 12 months – something many deemed as harsh – but was reduced to four months by the ERC after the player provided evidence implicating Richards and Brennan.
Brennan and Williams have also had their sanctions extended to all worldwide competitions by the IRB.
Richards had already resigned earlier this month due to the scandal, but Quins chief executive Mark Evans has said the club is still undecided as to whether they will replace the former boss.
