The hearing follows an initial investigation by European Rugby Cup's disciplinary officer into the circumstances surrounding the blood substitution of Harlequins replacement Tom Williams during the narrow quarter-final loss at the Stoop.

Williams came on to the field to replace Chris Malone but was substituted shortly afterwards and replaced by former All Black Nick Evans, although Evans had already been taken off earlier in the match.

The independent disciplinary committee will be appointed as soon as practicable, with no date or venue yet set for the hearing.

A brief overview of an ERC independent disciplinary committee

a) The independent disciplinary committee is chosen by the chairman of the independent disciplinary panel, Professor Lorne Crerar
b) The ERC disciplinary officer, Roger O'Connor, presents the case against the club
c) Both parties to the hearing (ERC and the club) have the right to appeal decisions of the independent disciplinary committee. Appeals must be lodged within 72 hours of receiving the full written decision from the chairman of the independent disciplinary committee
d) The full written decision of the independent disciplinary committee will be available on www.ercrugby.com/disciplinenews when the disciplinary process is complete