Quins free to start Cup campaign

Robson is sidelined from Quins' opening two pool games next month, against Cardiff Blues and Toulouse. He will also miss Guinness Premiership appointments with Leicester, Saracens, Newcastle and Bath after landing a six-week ban from Rugby Football Union disciplinary chiefs.

Robson's suspension was imposed for striking Wasps scrum-half Joe Simpson with his head during last Saturday's Premiership clash at Twickenham. He was sent off by Berkshire referee Dean Richards just 46 seconds into the match.

Robson's suspension has continued a troubled week for Quins that could grow even worse by Friday evening.

While Heineken Cup chiefs have wound down their detailed 'Bloodgate' investigation, the RFU - through disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett - must now decide whether or not any executive Quins officials warrant facing misconduct charges.

Former Quins rugby director Dean Richards was banned for three years; ex-club physiotherapist Steph Brennan received a two-year punishment, and Quins wing Tom Williams landed a four-month suspension following the fake injury scandal and subsequent attempted cover-up.

The bans, imposed by a European Rugby Cup independent appeals committee last month, followed a Heineken Cup quarter-final between Quins and Leinster in April.

Quins also saw an original ERC fine of 250,000 euros increased to 300,000 euros, while fall-out continued through Charles Jillings' resignation as club chairman almost three weeks after former England number eight Richards quit.

Blackett's probe - he intends reaching a decision either way by 5pm on Friday - will revolve around the RFU's rule 5.12, which covers conduct prejudicial to interests of the Game or Union.

Jillings and Quins chief executive Mark Evans will be among those closely monitoring developments.