Dean Richards assembles all-Prem coaching ticket in Champ

Doncaster Knights director of rugby Dean Richards is pulling together an experienced coaching team to launch an assault on the Champ next season, with Carl Hogg and Alan Dickens joining his coaching staff.

Two weeks ago, ambitious Doncaster appointed former Newcastle Falcons, Leicester Tigers and Harlequins boss Richards, who had been working with Norfolk-based London 2 Anglia outfit Wymondham as their new top man.

Lions legend Sir Ian McGeechan will continue in his consultancy role with the club, providing support and guidance where required as the Knights look to make themselves ‘oven-ready’ for when the Gallagher PREM expands from 10 to 12 clubs in three or four years’ time.

The Knights are also understood to have had a significant cash injection this summer, and Dickens, who spent most of last season as Newcastle Red Bulls head coach, joins as attack coach to replace Jacob Ford, who moved to Sale Sharks.

Ironically ex England U20’s boss Dickens was beaten to the gig at the Sharks by Ford has also recently spoken to Harlequins about a role on their coaching staff next season as well.

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Nations Championship

Argentina

12:10

18 Jul 26

England

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“I’m delighted to welcome Alan to Doncaster Knights. He’s someone I’ve known and come up against over many years, and his experience, rugby knowledge and ability to develop players will be a tremendous asset to the club.

“Just as importantly, Alan is an outstanding person whose values align perfectly with the culture we’re building. I’m looking forward to working alongside him, and I’m confident he’ll have a hugely positive impact on both our players and staff as we continue to move the club forward,” said Richards.

RugbyPass understands that The Knights have appointed vastly experienced former Scotland flanker Carl Hogg, who is married to television presenter Jill Douglas and who has been director of rugby at Dinamo Bucharest in Romania, as their new head coach.

Galashiels-born Hogg, 57, is well known to Yorkshire rugby after ending his playing career with Leeds Tykes, where Dickens was a team-mate, and he also started his coaching career.