BLOODGATE: THE FACTS
During a 2009 Heineken Cup quarter-final, Harlequins told Tom Williams to bite on a blood capsule so they could bring fly-half Nick Evans back on as a blood replacement. Evans pushed a potential match-winning drop goal wide, Quins lost 6-5.

The ERC (European Rugby Cup) began an investigation after Williams was filmed winking at the bench as he came off. He later had his mouth cut by a Quins official to make the injury “real”.

Williams was banned for four months, and club physio Steph Brennan for two years. Director Of Rugby Dean Richards resigned shortly before being banned for three years. Quins, however, weren’t kicked out of the 2009-10 Heineken Cup.

James Haskell: Stade Français & England

Has Bloodgate ruined rugby union’s reputation forever?
I don’t think so. It’s a very unfortunate incident, but we have to move on. Rugby’s still built on team values and ethics.  
Were Harlequins punished harshly enough?
Yes. Everyone is very apologetic and Harlequins are a great old club who will come out of this with their reputation intact.
Do rugby players cheat more than footballers?
No. It hasn’t been a good time for rugby, but it’s a one-off. People strive so hard to win. This was an unfortunate by-product of that.
After blood capsules, what other jokeshop product could be put to use in rugby?
I’d like to be able to use itching powder in a lineout!

Delon Armitage: London Irish & England

Has Bloodgate ruined rugby union’s reputation forever?
I’ve never come across anything like it, so I was shocked – but I know how strong the sport is and know it will recover.
Were Harlequins punished harshly enough?
People will do whatever it takes to win. They’ve been brought to book. That should be that.
Do rugby players cheat more than footballers?
No. You can’t tell me other sports haven’t had their problems and, even now, football still has all sorts of diving issues.  
After blood capsules, what other jokeshop product could be put to use in rugby?
Whoopee Cushions placed strategically around the pitch would be interesting…

Ugo Monye: Harlequins & England

Has Bloodgate ruined rugby union’s reputation forever?
The sport will recover. I was as shocked as the punters and didn’t have any knowledge of it, despite playing in that game. I understand why the fans are disappointed.
Were Harlequins punished harshly enough?
Yes. We’ve paid heavily – but why punish the fans any more?
Do rugby players cheat more than footballers?
No, but we’ve long taken the moral high-ground over football, and rightly so. But Bloodgate was a kick up the bum for everyone.
After blood capsules, what other jokeshop product could be put to use in rugby?
I love those little bangers. They’d be quite good to put off kickers when they’re taking penalties!

Chris Robshaw: Harlequins & England

Has Bloodgate ruined rugby union’s reputation forever?
The sport will get over this blip and move on. Harlequins are about so much more than Bloodgate, and we want to prove that. As players, we must make sure people start loving the game of rugby union again, rather than talking about something that was a one-off.
Were Harlequins punished harshly enough?
Yes. We got caught cheating and rightly got stung for it.  
Do rugby players cheat more than footballers?
No. But we have to take our share of the stick… for now!
After blood capsules, what other jokeshop product could be put to use in rugby?
I’d love to throw a stink bomb into the scrum!

Cardiff Blues vs Harlequins
Heineken Cup
Saturday 10 October, 1pm
Sky Sport 2/HD2