'BAN WON'T DESTROY DEAN'.

Byline: ALEX SPINK

DEAN RICHARDS has been backed by former England captain Martin Corry to recover from the fake blood scandal that cost him his job.

Richards quit as Harlequins boss after one of his players was convicted of fabricating an injury during a Heineken Cup-tie last season and suspended for 12 months.

Tom Williams is appealing against the length of his ban but the Londoners face being kicked out of the Heineken Cup on Monday.

Richards, a legendary player for Leicester and England before moving into management, could receive a lengthy ban for his part in the scandal.

Corry, who played for him at Leicester, admitted: "Dean was one of my heroes and it's unfortunate one of English rugby's most iconic figures has been caught up in it all. He has got to deal with this but in terms of his character he's strong enough to bounce back.

"In the professional game those things can't go on," added Corry, speaking on behalf of the Skyride bike event that takes places in Leicester on August 30. "With all the TV cameras at matches now you can't get away with things.

"Everyone is slowly coming to terms with the level of profile which rugby now has. That profile is great for the sport in terms of its growth because people are really taking notice of it now.

"But what may have happened in the game a few years ago and would have been cast aside, has now become front and back page news."

Williams was dabbed with fake blood to give the impression of a cut mouth which allowed them to bring on specialist kicker Nick Evans as a replacement.

CAPTION(S):

SUPPORT Martin Corry WALKED OUT Dean Richards