Dean so shy and retiring as he plots a quiet exit
HE WON’T WANT A FUSS SAYS NEW FALCONS BOSS
AN ERA ends in Newcastle today when Dean Richards takes charge of his final game as a top-flight rugby boss.
Twenty four years after being appointed director of rugby by Leicester, he presides over his 683rd match against those same Tigers at Kingston Park.
Dave Walder, who will step up from head coach to succeed Richards at Newcastle this summer, said: “He won’t want anyone talking about him above the game.
“He has played as big a role here as his character would suggest, kept the club going through some pretty tough times over the years.
“But he won’t want anyone making a big scene. He’ll just want to head off quietly. That’s the way he does it.”
The Falcons director of rugby, 58, will be remembered for his role in Bloodgate, the faking of a blood injury while he was at Harlequins, which led to his resignation and a three-year coaching ban.
That could have tarnished his career forever. Instead, 13 years on, he remains one of the game’s most loved characters.
Joe Marler, Harlequins’ England prop, said: “The first time I met Dean was in my first week at the club. He could have sacked me for midweek drinking and getting beat up by a load of bouncers.
“But because I got beat up trying to defend a friend he chose just to scare me a bit before saying, ‘I’m slapping you on the wrist but actually congratulating you for sticking up for your team-mate.
“It was quite an experience, as a 17-year old, to have a legend of the sport treat me like that.”
Austin Healey, who played under Richards at Leicester, recalled how in his first week at the club he was sent with ‘Deano’ to conduct a coaching session in Norwich.
“We met this huge guy called Smokie,” said Healey. “We had a few beers and a curry, then Smokie started challenging people to arm wrestles.
“I may not be the biggest bloke in the world but arm wrestling is my speciality – and Dean knew this. He looked at Smokie and said ‘my money’s on this little fella. If he does you can pay for everyone’s curry. What do you say?’ Smokie laughed… for about five seconds.
“He got annoyed as I slammed his arm down onto the table and Dean dissolved into hysterics.”
Richards, evidently, enjoys the lighter side of life but also cares passionately for his rugby and those involved in it with him.
He said: “I’ve been doing it for 25 years or so and it’s been a long haul. At the same time, I’m still keen as mustard and still enjoy the sport and the match days.”
Time and again, when snow threatened games at Newcastle, Richards would lead the effort to clear the pitch with his shovel before making bacon sandwiches for one and all.