London clubs think they rule the game, says Newcastle director of rugby Dean ...

‘Bloodgate’ left a deep scar on the reputation of the former England

and Lions

international and led to a three-year suspension from coaching. His exile

ended last year when he took on the challenge of leading Newcastle back into

rugby’s top flight following their relegation to the Championship and

succeeded.

Richards’ actions were condemned, but he paid the price for the same

“win-at-all-costs” approach England cricketer Stuart Broad has been so happy

to boast about this week after he refused to walk when he was caught during

this summer’s Ashes series.

The former Leicester Tiger does not dwell on the past. He knows he made a

mistake driven by his fierce desire to win and while his methods have

changed, that fire still burns inside him as he prepares Newcastle for their

return to the Aviva Premiership.

Survival will be Newcastle’s primary objective but Richards wants to ensure

they do more than just keep their heads above water. “I’m relishing the

challenge, I can’t wait,” he said. “The Premiership has evolved since I was

in charge of Harlequins, but we are constantly challenging ourselves.

“I’ve been here before and seen it before. It doesn’t faze me if we’re tipped

to struggle, but I think genuine rugby people will see we’ve got a balanced

team and, barring too many injuries, we’ll not be fighting it out down the

bottom.

“I hope people don’t get the wrong idea when I say I’m not thinking about

survival. I want to stay up, but I don’t want to be down the bottom, I

want to be a little bit higher up.

“If I have a goal, it’s to win every game, or at least have a chance of

winning. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but the changes from when I arrived

last August to today have been absolutely massive and there will be more

changes over the next three or four years. It’s about getting into a

position where we are always up at the top, fighting for silverware.”

They have made some astute signings over the summer, not least the Scotland

international pair, scrum-half Mike Blair and hooker Scott Lawson.

Although the departure of Kiwi fly-half Jimmy Gopperth is a blow, the return

of their former academy player Rory Clegg from Harlequins will soften the

blow alongside the more experienced Phil Godman.

“If you look at the signings we have made, there is a lot of experience

there,” Richards added. “We are trying to blend that experience with the

young talent we have so that we are strong, not just for this season, but

going forward.”

London clubs think they rule the game, says Newcastle director of rugby Dean ...