Quins rocked by fake blood scandal - Easter - Sport in brief

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Richards resigned as director of rugby on Saturday after winger Tom Williams was found guilty of fabricating an injury in last season's Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat to Leinster.

"The club is shocked. Everyone has taken a hammering," said Easter. "It is upsetting and disruptive. What Deano has done over the last few years has been tremendous."

Richards guided the club from the first division into last season's Guinness Premiership play-offs and they secured historic back-to-back Heineken Cup pool victories over Stade Francais.

The former England number eight turned Easter, Ugo Monye, Danny Care and David Strettle into England internationals, while the likes of Chris Robshaw and Jordan Turner-Hall are now ready to break into the Test scene.

"He was massively influential for me," said Easter, who has won 29 caps since making his England debut in the 2007 Six Nations.

"He made massive pushes for a lot of players, not least me, to be able to wear the white England shirt and with his knowledge of the position he was able to give me a lot of tips.

"When he speaks, you listen because he is a very shrewd guy and a very intelligent guy.

"Thank God I have had a good run in the England team, long may it continue and a lot of it is owed to him, certainly.

"What Deano has done over the last few years has been tremendous for the club. We were going forward. Everyone realises that. It is sad he is going."