Dean Richards is awaiting clarification on his ban from rugby © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

News: Bloodgate physio struck off

News: Evans commits to Quins

News: Chapman free to practise medicine again

News: 'Bloodgate' doctor fears for future

News: 'Bloodgate' doctor not guilty of deceit

News: Premier chief hails rule changes

News: Leinster doc could have prevented 'Bloodgate'

Players/Officials: Dean Richards

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: England | Harlequins

Former Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards is awaiting clarification on his three-year ban from rugby.

The ex-England No.8 was banned for masterminding the 'Bloodgate' scandal in 2009, in which winger Tom Williams used a fake blood capsule to dupe officials during a Heineken Cup tie against Leinster.

He has served one year of the punishment issued by ERC, whose verdict was also adopted by the IRB. The technicalities of the sanction remain vague however, with Richards unsure of his ability to engage in after dinner speaking or act in a consultancy role for clubs.

Jeff Blackett, the Rugby Football Union's chief disciplinary officer, has revealed that discussions with Richards to end any ambiguity are already under way.

"Dean has asked for clarification from the IRB on the sanction," Blackett said. "Dean has had a response from the IRB, which gives them an umbrella and I've agreed to have a look at that umbrella and tell him exactly what he can and can't do.

"In my view the sanction was expressed equivocally because it talked about no rugby activity in ERC competition and it asked unions to also enforce the ban in their competitions. Dean and I are in dialogue at the moment and will come to a conclusion, hopefully in the next month or so.

"It's important to create a definitive list and that will be based on a legal analysis of the judgement. For instance, can Dean go to a rugby club and be paid as an after dinner speaker? Dean is very keen to know what he can and can't do. He does not want to contravene any directives."

Richards was involved with Worcester on a consultancy basis following their relegation from the Premiership at the end of the 2009-10 season, but Blackett confirmed that there would be no action taken against the club.

"Cecil Duckworth [Worcester's owner] spoke to me on the phone and asked me what he could and couldn't do in relation to the judgement," he said. "I said that if he did what he did, I would not take disciplinary action. I wouldn't be looking backwards, but I don't want to say at this stage what Dean will or won't be able to do."