Skinner - Quins will be stronger

Skinner: Moving forward

I'm sure we'll come back much stronger from this. Now it's about how we play and in every aspect Quins have upheld rugby to the highest standards.

Will Skinner
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Harlequins captain Will Skinner says the club will become a stronger proposition following the embarrassment caused by the 'Bloodgate' scandal.

The club is still coming to terms with the affair, which resulted in the resignation of director of rugby Dean Richards and also landed them a £260,000 fine.

Although it was announced on Monday that, despite allegations that Quins players faked blood injuries on four other occasions, no further action will be taken, Skinner is all too aware the matter is not yet over.

The new Guinness Premiership season starts against Wasps on September 5 and Quins players are likely to become a verbal target for opposition fans and players.

However, Skinner is determined to ignore such distractions and concentrate instead on getting the best possible performances from his players.

"Dean and the club have taken quite a bit on their shoulders which is unfortunate, but this hasn't been swept under the carpet," said the 25-year-old openside.

"The internal review at the club has been brilliant, not only for the players but for the whole structure of the club.

"I'm sure we'll come back much stronger from this. Now it's about how we play and in every aspect Quins have upheld rugby to the highest standards.

"I think we've showed over the last few years since coming back up from National One what we can do. We will let rugby to do the talking for us."

Fresh impetus

Skinner forged a close relationship with Richards, for whom he also played at Leicester and who gave his career fresh impetus after he fell from favour at Welford Road.

Richards has received a three-year ban for his role in the scandal but Skinner was quick to acknowledge the personal role the former England international has played.

"There was no time during the incident when I thought about quitting. I love playing for this club," he said.

"Dean and Harlequins have done so much for my career. I've really come on and have been made club captain.

"I spoke to Dean and understand why he felt he had to go.

"I have a very good relationship with him and he knows and understands that the players want to move forward now."

Quins have yet to appoint Richards' successor, although former Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan has been strongly linked with the position.

In the interim, John Kingston will continue as head coach assisted by Collin Osborne and Tony Diprose, with Kingston saying the transition will be a seamless one.

"Fortunately because of Dean's trust, Collin, Tony and I were given total responsibility for the team last season," he said.

"It was a successful formula so it was important that the three of us continue to work like that. The only difference is that we now select the team.

"Dean had responsibilities throughout the club and I'm sure the board will look at those to decide how to deal with the issues.

"It's fair to say I'm confident that Dean's absence will not impact on the immediate playing fortunes of the side."