Rugby: 'Bloodgate' pot simmering

Harlequins fly-half Nick Evans. Photo / Getty Images

It is not yet known whether any official moves are likely to be made against former All Black and Harlequins first five-eighths Nick Evans as a result of the ongoing Bloodgate saga in British rugby.

More news on moves stemming from "Bloodgate" is expected this week when the European Rugby Cup takes legal advice on whether it can, or should, move against other individuals.

Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards (banned worldwide for three years) and physiotherapist Steph Brennan (banned for two) have already been dealt with for their part in the use of a fake blood capsule by Quins winger Tom Williams (banned for four months after originally being banned for a year) to get Evans on to the field to kick the goal that would have won their quarter-final of the Heineken Cup against Leinster.

The Daily Telegraph, reporting on the continuing saga, last week said: "There is still scope for ERC moving against individuals such as [Harlequins CEO] Mark Evans, fly-half Nick Evans, the player brought on when the fake-injury scam was instigated, and [Harlequins doctor Wendy] Chapman. ERC will hear legal advice next Tuesday when it reconvenes as to whether it has jurisdiction over these and other individuals."

There has been no suggestion anywhere that Nick Evans knew about the blood capsule or was otherwise a complicit party in Bloodgate. He has not commented on the matter other than to tell the Croydon Guardian he had "no regrets".

Efforts by this newspaper to talk to Evans have not met with a response.

However, it is clear that Bloodgate has rocked the foundations of the British rugby establishment and that the spotlight is being firmly held on the incident.

The ERC made no moves against Dr Wendy Chapman - who allegedly cut Williams' lip with a scalpel to ensure that blood flowed, justifying the 'blood bin' replacement of Williams by Nick Evans - because it was unsure of its legal ability to do so. There have since been unconfirmed reports that the doctor may face inquiry from medical authorities.

'Bloodgate' hinges on rugby's law allowing a bleeding player to leave the field to have the blood staunched. That player can be temporarily replaced and can then re-appear to take his place in the game.

The Quins incident occurred as Leinster beat Harlequins 6-5 in the Heineken Cup quarter-final. Nick Evans missed a late goal attempt after being a temporary 'blood replacement' for Tom Williams.

Williams, with fake blood pouring from his mouth, winked at team-mates as he was replaced, a gesture that was filmed by Sky Sports but not broadcast.

It got worse. Quins tried to cover up the matter, with the principals in the incident initially denying anything untoward had taken place. As matters unravelled, Williams revealed he had spoken to Mark Evans and Harlequins chairman Charles Jillings after he decided to make a "full disclosure" appeal to get his ban reduced.

Williams said Jillings had offered him full salary during suspension; selection for Quins on merit once the ban was over; a two-year contract extension; a testimonial match; and a three-year employment opportunity with the club after he retired from playing. Jillings has since resigned.

Mark Evans had earlier painted a picture of a dire financial future for Quins if Williams proceeded with "full disclosure". It could involve the club being expelled from the Heineken Cup, losing sponsors and that Brennan and Chapman could be struck off and could sue the club.

Following days of lobbying by the club, Williams requested compensation of £650,000 in exchange for withdrawing his appeal. Harlequins rejected the offer, saying that accepting it would be akin to "buying your silence", but did offer him an unconditional compensation payment of £100,000, according to the Telegraph.

In the end, the ERC stopped short of banning the club from the Cup, which is due to begin soon. This has outraged many in British rugby who are keen to see the whole matter dealt with thoroughly and transparently.

The ERC could yet make moves against Mark Evans and others but, if it doesn't, the Rugby Football Union will hold its own inquiry and moves not yet made could be taken then.

There have been allegations of widespread misuse of the bloodbin, at Premiership and even at international level.

Nick Evans told the Croydon Guardian that the best way to banish the memories of the past month was by adding some silverware to the trophy cabinet.

"I don't look back on anything that happened that night with regret. What is done, is done. It is all gone now and is yesterday's fish and chip paper," he told the paper.

"It is all about moving forward and not looking at those things too much. If you do that it takes away from what we achieved as a team and as players."

"There is no better way to vindicate ourselves than by going and winning the Premiership or Heineken Cup."