European Rugby Cup directors say there is “no reason to interfere with the participation of Harlequins in the 2009/10 Heineken Cup.”

This is in the light of suspensions for ex-Quins rugby director Dean Richards (three years), former club physiotherapist Steph Brennan (two years) and current Quins wing Tom Williams (four months), plus a 300,000 euro fine meted out to the club by an independent ERC appeal committee on August 17.

But Quins are unlikely to have heard the last of a scandal orchestrated by former England number eight Richards.

Further damaging revelations were revealed yesterday, coinciding with an ERC board meeting, following publication of evidence given at the August appeal hearing in Glasgow.

In a statement, ERC said: “The board went on to express its concern with many of the issues and practices raised as part of the investigation and in the hearings, and their implications for the wider game.

“And in order to allow time for further consideration of the lengthy decisions published (yesterday) and the related issues and implications, the board will reconvene on Tuesday next, September 8.

“The board has therefore reserved the right to direct the ERC disciplinary officer to investigate issues raised during the process, which were not covered or dealt within the disciplinary hearings to date, with a view to considering any further misconduct complaints.”