Martin Johnson's anguish for Richards

Last year, following his excellent work as director of rugby, Richards was touted for the England role, which eventually went to Johnson.

But Richards's reputation is now in tatters after he stood down on Saturday following Tom Williams's decision to appeal his 12-month ban for faking a blood injury.

Quins today wrote an open letter to their supporters apologising for the scandal but Johnson's thoughts were with his former England and Leicester team-mate.

The national boss said: "It is a sad way Dean has to leave the club. But the situation got where it is. I was surprised to see he had left.

"But what happened is serious. It is sad to see him go, especially with what he had done with the club."

The focus will switch back to the courtrooms next Monday, when an independent appeals committee will convene in Glasgow to hear the cases lodged against decisions made in the Heineken Cup quarter-final tie which saw Williams banned.

The controversy follows the suspension of three Bath players for refusing to take a drugs test but Johnson denies claims that rugby is suffering from an image problem.

He has promised to clamp down on any transgressions within his squad and said: "The great thing about this game is that the people involved want to keep the integrity.

"We have to be vigilant but I don't think there is a major problem. The actions taken have been appropriate.

"If there is an issue, we will address it. We have to be vigilant but the action taken has been appropriate.

"Now it is time to get back into rugby and on the straight and narrow. What has happened is not threatening the fabric of rugby.

"There is a pressure to be successful in terms of the players and coaches because rugby is big business."

Former Bath player Michael Lipman featured under Johnson in the England set-up before his ban for failing to take a drugs test and Johnson believes the flanker has a fight on his hands in order to salvage his international future.

"I am disappointed in Michael and disappointed for him," Johnson added. "I don't know what is happening with him career-wise.

"It's a long way back for him, he is not playing tell February. Players must be playing well to be in the picture."

While rugby union remains embroiled in controversy, Johnson has difficulties of a different type to address after a quarter of his players dropped out of his training camp.

Injuries meant a revised squad of 48 trained at Twickenham today to mark the centenary year of play at the stadium.