Warden reveals the secret to success at Richmond
LONG-SERVING Richmond lock Will Warden believes the ‘one-club’ philosophy espoused by rugby director Steve Hill will keep his part-timers punching above their weight.
Warden is one of six players still standing from their 2011-12 National Two promotion campaign and, having also helped the club win National One two years ago, he admits even he is surprised the club have managed to hold their own in the Championship. Warden, 31, told The
Rugby Paper: “We’ve definitely exceeded our own expectations by staying up in year one and then repeating that and moving on again this season, but if you look at what the club does, you recognise the hard graft that goes into it.
“Steve Hill recognises the good coaching team he’s got around him in Rob Powell, Mark Matzopoulos and Ian Kench and one of the major strengths is having a genuine ‘one-club’ culture that operates throughout our men’s and women’s teams.
“There are coaches in the Vikings (2nds), Saxons (3rds) and Normans (4ths) with the same philosophy that we’re running at first team level to try and bridge the gap, so that when people do step up they’ve got the ability to take the opportunity.
“Getting promoted to National One six years ago exceeded expectations then, but despite our parttime status we’ve managed to keep developing.”
Against Coventry a fortnight ago, Richmond’s 22-man squad totalled 1,529 appearances between them – proof, says Warden, of the spirit Hill has created.
He added: “Richmond’s strength is its playing base and there’s a lot of loyalty around that. Of the team that beat Coventry the other week, 14 were part of the promotion-winning side two years ago and the club’s a ‘home from home’ for us.
“Cam Mitchell’s doing a great job as captain, there are young players coming through who cherish our culture and the other thing Steve gets is the social side.
“We still tour at the end of the season and it’s a whole club tour, not just one particular team. If we were ever relegated, the club would still be as strong.”