Former Wallaby is new ’Stoke coach
10:50am today Friday 30th May 2008
BASINGSTOKE RFC have appointed former Australian international Geoff Richards as head coach.
Richards, who won three caps for Australia after emigrating in the 1970s, will take over from outgoing director of rugby Jim Dixon on June 24.
He has masses of coaching experience, having been taught at the Australian Institute of Sport and been assistant coach to the Australian A and under-21 sides before moving back to Britain in 2000.
On his return, he became the successful head coach of England women - a post he held until last year.
During his time at the helm, the team won 51 out of 61 games.
Since stepping down from that job, Richards has been involved with the England under-18 squad, while also working as a skills coach at Premiership side Harlequins, something he will continue with as the job at Down Grange is part-time.
The 57-year-old will be responsible for planning and running training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as sending the team out on Saturdays.
He has been hired as an all-round coach, but his expertise lies in the backs, so there are plans to bring in an additional, forward-orientated coach to work with him.
Chris Cook, chairman of the club's playing committee, is delighted to have secured Richards.
"Geoff's appointment sends a message to players in the local area," said Cook. "If they would like to play under a top-class coach, Basingstoke is the place to be.
"Geoff has enormous experience and a proven track record of success. He has worked a lot with younger age groups, which is a very good fit to our current squad. He is an engaging character, a good communicator and was keen to get back into club rugby.
"I am excited by the appointment and expect it to go down well with the boys. He was the outstanding candidate and I'm delighted he has agreed to come here."
Club chairman Dr Steve Tristram added: "I am delighted that we have managed to secure the services of Geoff.
"He comes with a high pedigree."