First there was Bloodgate – a leader ordering a disreputable act, attempting to cover it up and almost getting away with it. The leader was Dean Richards, veteran England rugby international and, latterly, rugby director at the London club Harlequins.

In the final minutes of a crucial cup match, Richards wanted Tom Williams, one of his players, off the field so that he could send someone else on. He gave instructions that Williams should fake a bloody injury.