The club were fined 250,000 euros, half of which was suspended, but could yet face further punishment after the ERC today revealed disciplinary officer Roger O’Connor has appealed against that sanction.

Director of rugby Dean Richards, who was cleared of individual wrongdoing, today resigned in the aftermath of the ERC panel’s judgment being sent to Harlequins this week.

He, too, could face further action along with medical staff Dr Wendy Chapman and physio Steph Brennan after O’Connor also appealed against the decision to dismiss charges against the trio during the initial hearings.

An ERC statement today read: “Mr Williams' appeal is against the sanction only and not the decision of the committee while Harlequins have not lodged an appeal against either the decision or the sanction imposed on them by the committee.

“Details of the independent appeal committee and the date for the independent appeal hearing will be announced early next week.”