Harlequins have given their full backing to Mike Brown, Danny Care and David Strettle after they were cleared of any wrongdoing by the RFU.

The trio were exonerated in Judge Jeff Blackett's enquiry into the sexual abuse allegations they were caught up in during England's recent tour to New Zealand.

The only punishment was meted out to Brown, who was fined £1,000 for staying out all night during a tour and missing a physiotherapy appointment the next morning.

Care was found not guilty of any miscon-duct, as was Strettle, who was warned about his future conduct after a separate incident on the tour led to a 'kissand-tell' story in a Sunday tabloid.

Brown and Strettle have both lost their places in the England Elite squad, however, although Care remains in it.

A Harlequins statement read: "Following the publication of Judge Blackett's findings last Friday, Harlequins FC would like to make clear their continued support for the three players of the club identified in his report.

"The serious criminal allegations widely reported in parts of the New Zealand and British media have been shown to have no evidential basis, while the rumours and innuendo surrounding other events have been clearly shown to be grossly misleading, inaccurate and exaggerated.

"It has been a difficult time for them all as they have had to withstand a great deal of ill-informed and potentially damaging speculation about their behaviour,while choosing to remain silent pending the outcome of the enquiry.

 "All three players have had exemplary disciplinary records in their rugby careers to date, and it was particularly pleasing to see that Danny Care and David Strettle were cleared of any misconduct. "In the case of Mike Brown, he is fully aware that he should have returned to the team hotel at an earlier hour.

"Although a relatively minor misdemeanour,he fully accepts the sanction imposed and will now concentrate on regaining his place in the England team."

A Quins spokesman added the club will not comment further on the matter.