Chiefs tighten up blood injury rules
TOP-FLIGHT chiefs are convinced there will be no a repeat of the Bloodgate scandal that shamed the sport after tightening up regulations for the new season.
Aviva Premiership rules set to come into effect mean doctors from the opposing team will have the right to demand a look at any blood injury they suspect to be fake. Last season clubs were encouraged to allow access to opposing medical staff and the measure was such a success that Premier Rugby have decided to make it mandatory.
“We have put the right steps in place [to ensure it doesn’t happen],” said director of rugby Phil Winstanley. “We introduced the blood inspection protocol. It is a reassurance. There were no incidences at all of anyone questioning whether there was a cut.”
Harlequins notoriously brought fake blood injuries to prominence last year when winger Tom Williams used a capsule bought from a joke shop to fool the officials. The scam was later rumbled, with the club fined and individuals banned.
Ex-Quins doctor Wendy Chapman was yesterday found guilty of deliberately cutting Williams’ lip after the match, an act which helped cover up the plot, but not of deception at a General Medical Council hearing.