Blackett defends 'Bloodgate' decision

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Blackett decided there was insufficient evidence to launch misconduct proceedings against Harlequins chief executive Mark Evans or the club's former chairman Charles Jillings. Senior club officials were cleared of any knowledge or involvement in the cover-up after Tom Williams had faked a blood injury in last season's Heineken Cup quarter-final.

"There will be some in the game who will consider that further action should be taken against Harlequins and senior officials and that my decision has undermined the integrity of the sport. I disagree," said Blackett. "This whole saga has lasted for far too long already and a line needs to be drawn so that reputations and the image of the game may be restored."

Blackett was satisfied Harlequins had not attempted to buy Williams' silence once they did discover the full scope of the situation.

Evans was criticised for not reporting the full facts to European Rugby Cup Ltd as soon as he learned them - but Blackett decided that prolonging the whole process would do rugby more harm than good.

He added: "I have no doubt that everyone involved now understands the importance of telling the truth at the earliest possible opportunity and that in itself will send a powerful message to the rest of the game."

The incident occurred in Harlequins' Heineken Cup quarter-final against Leinster at the Twickenham Stoop on April 12.

Williams was given a blood capsule and ordered to feign injury so that Quins, who were trailing 6-5 with five minutes remaining, could send previously substituted fly-half Nick Evans back onto the field.

Evans missed with his drop-goal attempt and Leinster went on to win the Heineken Cup - but the repercussions have been widespread.

Harlequins' former director of rugby Dean Richards was banned from the sport for three years, the physio Steph Brennan for two years and the club was fined almost £260,000.