‘In almost every French game, there’s theatre’: Dean Richards on bringing joie de vivre back to English rugby

Dean Richards, 63, has been appointed as Doncaster Knights' new director of rugby, marking his return to the upper levels of English club rugby 40 years after his Test debut against Ireland at Twickenham. The former England forward, who scored two tries on his debut, will begin his tenure with a 740-mile round trip to Cornish Pirates on the opening weekend of the 2026-27 Championship season. Richards has spoken passionately about reviving creativity and enjoyment in English rugby, citing the theatrical nature of French rugby as an inspiration.