31 Aug 2009

England rugby side faces investigation in the wake of Bloodgate

6:46 pm on 31 August 2009

England's international side faces a probe by the Rugby Football Union amid claims that faking blood injuries has seeped into test matches, according to a report in the English newspaper the Sunday Telegraph reported.

Francis Baron, RFU chief executive, has already vowed to reestablish the integrity of the game in England in the aftermath of the 'bloodgate' affair at Harlequins following the faked blood substitution of winger Tom Williams.

The Williams affair has opened a can of worms after he alleged the club offered him financial inducements to mask the full extent of their cheating.

But now former England lock Paul Ackford has written in the Sunday Telegraph, that the 'bloodgate' investigation was presented with evidence of much more widespread cheating, including in the Six Nations competition.

One alleged technique is to cut players behind the ear, then stitch the wound before reopening it to allow a blood replacement to come on.