Harlequins face Cup expulsion after Dean Richards quits

As a result, last season's quarter-finalists could face further fines or even expulsion from the tournament this time around.

Richards' former side realise that their name has been dragged through the mud amid the saga and the club will radically overhaul their internal policies and create an ethics code for all members of staff in the future, playing and non-playing, as a result of the fiasco.

A statement read: "We acknowledge that this whole episode has tarnished the image of the club, which has always sought to uphold the highest standards.

"The level of scrutiny that clubs such as Harlequins now find themselves under means that procedures and processes which may have served us well in the past are no longer adequate.

"The club is urgently undertaking a thorough review of its internal policies with a view to establishing an appropriate ethics code for all staff covering a wide range of areas including respect for the laws of the game."

The date for the independent appeal hearing will be released within the next few days, while Harlequins flanker Nick Easter has paid tribute to his departing boss.

"Dean has proven over the years what a great coach he is - he has a track record of bringing in the younger players and developing them," he said.

"He has recruited well this summer."