The saga continues to rumble on with former physio Steph Brennan – who was struck off for his involvement in the controversy - currently appealing that suspension at the High Court.

Williams has moved on however and has become a key component in head coach Conor O’Shea’s new brand of rugby at the Stoop this season.

Still a one-club man, Williams has two years left on his contract with Quins and after nine-years on the books in south west London, the wing has no intention of leaving any time soon.

“I love it at Harlequins and I’m not looking to leave the club – especially with two years still left on my contract,” said Williams.

“I’ve been here nine years and they have largely been good times. I’d love to play abroad at some point in my career but I’ll cross the bridge when my contract is up.

“I grew up in Hong Kong so I’d like to go over and play there at some point – maybe do a bit of coaching. But at the moment Harlequins is my home and I’m very happy here.”

O’Shea’s project to bringing exciting, fast-flowing rugby to The Stoop is still in his formative stages.
Inconsistency has dogged Quins so far this season and the club currently sit outside the all-important top six places in the Aviva Premiership needed for Heineken Cup qualification.

But Williams refuses to be downbeat though and with Quins still involved in three competitions this season, believes silverware is on the agenda.

“I think we’ll be disappointed if we don’t come close to winning something this year,” he added. “It’s something we have got to aim for. That’s why we play rugby, to win things.

“People may laugh but we want to get to the Premiership final and fight for that. We are ambitious.
“As a winger, the style of play we have adopted this season has been fantastic. It’s great to get the ball in your hands and throw it around a bit.

“It means we have been a bit inconsistent but we can’t expect instant results. Obviously if it’s raining we’ll adapt the strategy but it’s something we’re going to stick with.”

Despite seeing more of the ball this season Williams has crossed the whitewash just four times this season – three of those coming against I Cavalieri Estra in the Amlin Challenge Cup.

“I’m not too concerned about that,” said Williams. “I feel I have played well this season and I’ve set up a few tries for other players so I feel I’ve contributed.

“I think as a winger you are often judged – rightly or wrongly – just on how many tries you score but I think there is more to being a winger than that.”

We spoke to Tom Williams over a pint of Greene King IPA, the Official Beer of Harlequins and England Rugby, at The Red Lion pub in Isleworth. Get behind the scenes access and win tickets to see Quins in action at www.greenekingipa.co.uk