Sport's Strangerest Crimes: Bloodgate explores one of the most infamous moments in the history of British rugby union in the latest series on the BBC Radio 5 Live Podcast.
Hosted by actor and award-winning documentary maker Ross Kemp, and reported by BBC Rugby Union correspondent Chris Jones, the series unveils new details and untold stories about the infamous “Bloodgate” scandal.
Kemp examines how a simple blood capsule he purchased from the Joke Shop caused a series of events that rocked the sport. The series includes insights and interviews that you've never heard before, explaining a series of events that have destroyed careers and changed lives forever.
At the heart of this story is Tom Williams, a young Harlequins player who gets caught up in a plan to cheate during a critical game. Tom opens up about his role in the cover-up and the decision to blow whi through the entire operation, revealing plot, secret deals and the aftermath.
His choice to reveal the truth has had devastating consequences for everyone involved, especially his coach, rugby legend Dean Richards.
Ross Kemp said: “As a rugby enthusiast, the bloody episode was really shocking as it was against all the values the game is famous for.
“I hope that listeners will enjoy riding a roller coaster through the ultimate sports scandal,” he said.
The podcast not only features interviews with rugby icons such as Brian O'Dris Cole, Shane Hogan, Ugomony, Nick Easter and Judge Nigel Owens, but also respected journalists and investigators revealed the plot and how they covered the troubling outcomes.
The first four episodes of Sports Strangers: Bloodgate will be available on BBC Sounds from March 15th, followed by the next three episodes on March 22nd.
