Task force urges new rules on blood changeovers

Rugby's world governing body has been urged by to set up stricter rules on blood substitutions to avoid a repeat of the Harlequins injury scam.

Harlequins officials and a player used a fake-blood capsule to simulate an injury and get a kicker back on the field in a European Cup game, in a scandal that led to long suspensions and tarnished the image of the sport.

Although it reported that cheating was not widespread or systematic at international or domestic levels, an English Rugby Football Union task group announced 16 recommendations Wednesday to avoid issues such as feigning injuries and faking blood substitutions.

One of them suggested that the fourth match official should rule whether they are genuine and the IRB should draw up guidelines to determine the amount of blood that can lead to a replacement.

"The aspiration of the task group was to eliminate cheating in all its forms across the game. This is vital if we are to rebuild the image of the game," RFU president and task group chairman John Owen said.

"These are well thought-out measures, which as a union we will implement within set timelines. The support and involvement of the International Rugby Board and our fellow unions is also important if we are to ensure all the issues are addressed on a global basis."