DEAN RICHARDS: MY LOYALTY WAS TO BLAME

DISGRACED boss Dean Richards today reveals why he instigated the Bloodgate cover-up that led to his downfall.

The ex-Harlequins chief accepts he should never have asked Tom Williams to fake a blood injury but defends his decision to withhold evidence from the first hearing.

Richards admits colluding with physio Steph Brennan and Williams over the evidence provided. But the former cop insists he did it only out of loyalty to club doc Wendy Chapman.

Deep

He said: "I've always supported and stood by colleagues, no matter how deep the trouble they were in.

"It wasn't until eight days after the game I found out what had allegedly happened as Tom stated to me that the doctor had cut him.

"I then did a bit of digging and found it was at his insistence. Nevertheless it was obvious Wendy was going to be in trouble. Steph already felt he was in trouble and we made the decision amongst us to say it was a genuine injury.

"Hindsight is a wonderful thing isn't it?"

Deal

Richards also wants ERC bosses to come clean on any deal they cut with Williams.

Richards, who was hit with a three-year ban when Williams changed his story, reckons the disciplinary process is flawed.

The findings from Williams' appeal were made public EIGHT days ahead of any other evidence.

Richards is considering appealing to the High Court in Dublin.

He said: "I'm angry at the whole process. The procedure was geared to cause the maximum pain.

"Was there a meeting before the second hearing between ERC and Tom Williams?

"If so, was a deal struck? Was the Professional Rugby Players Association a part of it? All these questions have to be answered because I'm seething."

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