Richards awaits more news over ban

Dean Richards could face further punishment for masterminding the Harlequins 'Bloodgate' scandal.

Richards saw his three-year coaching ban made worldwide by the International Rugby Board on Tuesday 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.

The four previous transgressions took place outside the Heineken Cup, most likely in the Guinness Premiership.

The RFU said in a statement: "We are awaiting the full documentation from ERC to enable us to review whether there is further action the RFU needs to take against the club, its current or former officials, on those other incidents.

"We will issue a further statement when we have properly reviewed the documentation."

Brennan was hit with a two-year ban on Monday - which the IRB have also made worldwide - and he has been suspended by the Rugby Football Union from his position of England physio, which he has held since the summer.

The RFU added: "Steph is immediately suspended from his role as England team physio pending completion of the review process required under RFU employment policies."