In a surprising revelation, Dean Richards, the esteemed figure in English rugby, alleged that the national team resorted to using simulated blood to gain an advantage during their victorious campaign in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
The amateur club Tynedale, competing in National 2 North, disclosed today that Richards would join their coaching staff for the upcoming 2024/25 season, alongside the recently retired Carl Fearns, a distinguished figure from the Premiership and Top 14.
Despite his impressive coaching credentials with Newcastle and Harlequins, Richards stirred controversy by claiming that England employed deceitful tactics to secure their triumph in 2003.
“The use of fake blood, cutting players, re-opening wounds, feigning injury in the front row, jabbing players with
Richards was asked for examples and listed seven, including: “RWC 2003. England used faked blood [did not know whether capsule or cut by someone in medical team] to manage replacements.”
When asked how he knew, Richards indicated he was informed by a person in the England squad.
In a Times report, Woodward said the claim was “absolute nonsense”.
“We won every match in Australia. Why would we want to cheat? This is simply not true. I am not sure why Dean raised this. I have never been involved in anything like this. It is ridiculous,” Woodward said.
“We won every match in Australia. Why would we want to cheat? This is simply not true.
“I am not sure why Dean raised this. I have never been involved in anything like this. It is ridiculous.”
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However, his transfer to Leicester Tigers entailed a reduction in pay, although he is still believed to be earning a respectable sum at Welford Road.
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