The sprinter, who this month lost his appeal against a lifetime Olympic ban for doping, allegedly told a British newspaper he was to work with Harlequins trio David Strettle, Danny Care and Nick Easter.

However, a spokesman for the RFU told the Daily Telegraph that England were not involved with the initiative, while Mark Evans, the chief executive of Harlequins, added: "It's got absolutely nothing to do with us.

“We are very happy with our coaching team and have a long link with Tony Lester, who is a very respected sprint coach.”