One saving grace for Quins was the committee’s decision not to expel them from next season’s European Cup.
A Harlequins statement issued on Monday said: “Whilst the club are pleased that Tom Williams’ ban has been reduced, we feel this is a very significant penalty in terms of a fine. We will now continue with our internal review into all aspects of the business to ensure that we have the most stringent compliance and robust policies and processes in place throughout the club and work towards rebuilding our reputation on and off the field.”
Richards, 46, who guided Leicester, the club where he made his name as a player, to two European Cups and four English titles before being sacked in 2004, helped Quins bounce back from relegation to English rugby’s second tier to runners-up last term in the Premiership’s regular season.
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