Harlequins chief executive Mark Evans says the club is a way off filling the void left by Dean Richards in its coaching department, despite an opening day defeat to London Wasps.

Head coach John Kingston’s best laid plans were blown out of the water when lock George Robson was sent-off for head-butting Joe Simpson in the opening minute as Quins crashed 26-15 on Saturday.

Kingston - along with assistants Tony Diprose and Colin Osborne - is holding the fort at the Stoop, while Evans and the Quins board conduct an internal review to identify a likely successor to disgraced former director of rugby Richards.

The chief exec said at the point of the former England number eight’s resignation, it could take up to three months to replace him, if that was necessary, and insisted a poor start to the campaign would not hasten the process.

British & Irish Lions legend Ian McGeechan had been linked with the post in the immediate aftermath of Richards’ departure, but Evans, who has recently returned from holiday, insists no progress has been made with any of the options on the table.

“It is too early to say at this moment at what stage we are at,” he said.

“The situation hasn’t really changed up to this point. There is certainly nothing imminent and nothing in the pipeline, so far as speaking to anyone about coming in.”

Quins have been buoyed by news, the club, the chief executive and chairman Charles Jillings will not be facing further censure from European Rugby Cup Ltd, for their conduct in the aftermath of the Tom Williams ‘Bloodgate’ affair.

Richards and physio Steph Brennan have paid with their jobs for the scandal, while Williams has seen a 12-month ban reduced to four after lifting the lid on the subsequent cover-up.

“The ERC disciplinary officer has brought the misconduct charges against Harlequins and/or its officials and staff as far as is feasible in this instance,” said an ERC statement this week.

“The board has directed the ERC disciplinary officer to pass onto the RFU, where appropriate, relevant information gathered in ERC's investigation and hearings.”

The Rugby Football Union disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett has pledged to decide by 5pm on Friday whether enough is enough.

Quins were up in front of the beak again this week as Robson was handed a six-week ban having pleaded guilty to his weekend misdemeanour, but Evans says he is pleased the season has finally kicked off.

“To describe returning to the business of playing rugby as a relief, would be a fair comment,” he added.