Quins Free From Added Erc Action
In the latest rulings regarding the Harlequins ‘Bloodgate’ scandal, European Rugby Cup has decided not to take any further action against the team.
As organisers of the Heineken Cup, the ERC claimed that misconduct charges against the club and its staff have been brought ‘as far as is feasible in this instance’.
The club will next face the Rugby Football Union (RFU), who is to now decide whether it will take any action.
Disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett will reportedly decide on Friday whether to act. If he rules that the club is guilty of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game or the RFU on any issues not dealt with by the ERC, then Quins could face further punishment.
Quins have already been fined £259,000 while former boss Dean Richards,
winger Tom Williams and physio Steph Brennan were sentenced bans for
their roles in the incident.
The sentencing by the ERC and possibly by the RFU followed last season’s Heineken Cup quarter-final between Quins and Leinster, when Richards attempted to get goalkicker Nick Evans back on the field by having Williams bite on a fake blood capsule.
