Banned former Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards has been given permission to act as an independent advisor for relegated Worcester.
Richards has served less than 12 months of a three-year ban for his part of the 'Bloodgate' scandal last summer but, according to The Times, helped the Warriors' recruitment of Richard Hill as head coach in a move to be confirmed officially today.
Quins were fined £258,000 and Richards resigned and was banned after Tom Richards used fake blood in a Heineken Cup quarter-final against Leinster.
However, The Times report that Richards and his legal team sought clarification from the Rugby Football Union about his ban, imposed by the European Rugby Cup and which runs until 2012. After consulting the IRB, they informed Richards the ban extended only to direct coaching or involvement as a director of rugby, allowing him to act as a consultant.
RFU disciplinary officer Judge Jeff Blackett told the newspaper: "Dean Richards asked me to clarify the terms of the judgment, which I have done in consultation with the International Rugby Board.
"We are content that in his capacity as an adviser he does not breach the terms of the judgment."
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_6174378,00.html
Richards has served less than 12 months of a three-year ban for his part of the 'Bloodgate' scandal last summer but, according to The Times, helped the Warriors' recruitment of Richard Hill as head coach in a move to be confirmed officially today.
Quins were fined £258,000 and Richards resigned and was banned after Tom Richards used fake blood in a Heineken Cup quarter-final against Leinster.
However, The Times report that Richards and his legal team sought clarification from the Rugby Football Union about his ban, imposed by the European Rugby Cup and which runs until 2012. After consulting the IRB, they informed Richards the ban extended only to direct coaching or involvement as a director of rugby, allowing him to act as a consultant.
RFU disciplinary officer Judge Jeff Blackett told the newspaper: "Dean Richards asked me to clarify the terms of the judgment, which I have done in consultation with the International Rugby Board.
"We are content that in his capacity as an adviser he does not breach the terms of the judgment."
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_6174378,00.html
