Baa-Baas welcome Dean Richards back as coach

Dean Richards has been short-listed for a return to the big stage as coach of the Barbarians.
The renowned touring club approached him last week as part of their selection process designed to put a big-name in charge of their high-profile matches against England at Twickenham on May 26 and the Lions in Hong Kong six days later.
Richards returned to the game last summer at Newcastle as the Falcons’ director of rugby after serving a three-year ban over the “Blood-gate” affair.
“I can confirm that Dean Richards is on the short-list,” Barbarians’ official Mike Burton told The Rugby Paper.
“Unfortunately he could not let his name go forward on this occasion because the dates clash with the Championship final and he hopes his Newcastle team will be in it.
“However, we have opened the door and we are very happy to keep it open. I am sure we can invite him on another occasion when he will be available. Dean has a long proud association with the Barbarians and we look forward to renewing that at some stage in the not too distant future.”
Richards, whose six years in charge of Leicester brought the Tigers four English Premiership titles and two winning European Cup finals, resigned as manager of Harlequins three years ago. An inquiry into the fake blood capsule taken by Tom Williams during Quins’ one-point European quarter-final defeat by Leinster in April 2009 resulted in a three-year suspension.
As far as the Baa-baas are concerned, Richards has paid his dues. Still a colossal figure in the English game, the 49-year-old is in the process of galvanising Newcastle for an immediate return to the Premiership.
The Baa-baas have appointed another legendary back rower as their new manager – former Wales and Lions No.8 Derek Quinnell.
The invitational club are now considering other high-profile coaches for the annual match against an England XV followed by the big one – the Lions’ first match in Asia en route to Australia.
PETER JACKSON