ERC ARE to take no further action against Harlequins over the infamous ‘Bloodgate’ fake injury scandal but will pass on all documentation arising from their investigation into last season’s Heineken Cup quarter-final between Harlequins and Leinster to the English RFU.

Following a meeting of the ERC Board to consider issues pertaining to the recent misconduct cases against Harlequins’ Tom Williams, Dean Richards, Steph Brennan and Dr Wendy Chapman it was decided to pass the matter over to the RFU.

The one exception arises in the case of Chapman as ERC reserved its position for the time being.

The statement read: “The Board of ERC, Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup tournament organisers, convened to consider issues arising from the recent misconduct cases against Harlequins and others.

“The Board fully accepts the decisions reached by the independent appeal committee in the cases brought to date.

“The ERC Board believes that the ERC Disciplinary Officer has brought the misconduct charges against Harlequins and/or its officials and staff as far as is feasible in this instance.

“The Board has received confirmation from the (English) Rugby Football Union that they will review the documentation available, with a view to considering if there are grounds for the RFU to investigate the behaviour of Harlequins and its officials, players and staff that was not dealt with by the independent disciplinary and/or appeal committees.

“The Board has directed the ERC Disciplinary Officer to pass onto the RFU, where appropriate, relevant information gathered in ERC’s investigation and hearings. ERC have also confirmed that the General Medical Council (GMC) has also contacted ERC seeking information regarding Dr Chapman’s involvement in the disciplinary process. The Board has reserved its position in relation to Dr Wendy Chapman.”