England legend accuses Sir Clive Woodward of cheating in leaked statement

In a document, uncovered by a documentary on talkSPORT, Former Harlequins and current Newcastle boss Dean Richards said: “The use of fake blood, cutting players, re-opening wounds, feigning injury in the front row, jabbing players with anaesthetic all occur regularly throughout the game.”

Richard's first made his assertion in a confidential meeting with the Rugby Football Union at the time of the Bloodgate crisis 10 years ago.

Richards’ observation noted: “Rugby World Cup 2003. England used faked blood to manage replacements.”

When asked how he knew, Richards indicated he was informed by a person in the England squad.

Woodward, writing in Mail Online, has refuted the claims that his 2003 heroes were involved in a similar practice.

“We won every match in Australia. Why would we want to cheat? This is simply not true.

“I am not sure why Dean raised this. I have never been involved in anything like this. It is ridiculous."

Marler said: "Richards was Director of Rugby at Harlequins, but he wasn't just that. He was also a proper hard man and legendary drinker from the amateur age of rugby."

Marler said: "A flanker that plays on the edge and never fails to get under the skin of opposition fans. One of my toughest opponents ever for sure."

Marler said: "I played against him when he was at Newcastle and he basically Would knock **ing s**t outta ya for 80 minutes. It was like play against a prop with the fitness levels of a flanker.”