"I would" - Dean Richards gives verdict on Doncaster Knights' hybrid model
Doncaster Knights’ new director of rugby Dean Richards intends to honour the club’s move to a hybrid-contract model, even if the new investment they seek comes in mid-season.
Midway through last year - a second season of disappointment - Knights co-owner Steve Lloyd took the decision to cease operations as a full-time club and only offer players part-time contracts.
They began recruiting for a squad along those lines with former Leicester and Newcastle chief Richards only taking the reins in mid-summer.
Richards wants a squad of around 40 players but is currently operating with five or six fewer than that. He is also exploring relationships with Prem clubs like Newcastle, Leicester and Sale for loaning players, while in the background, Doncaster’s owners are actively seeking fresh investment to accelerate their Prem ambitions.
On the pitch they opened up with a heavy 45-19 defeat at Cornish Pirates last Sunday and look to bounce back at Castle Park this Sunday, when Hartpury are the visitors. Richards, for now, believes the part-time training model works and sees no reason to change it in the short-term.
“It would be very difficult to change that this year, because of the commitment the players have made and I wouldn’t want to chuck them under the bus. I would carry on as we are,” he said.
“Same with any investment, it depends how it’s structured. We’ve got 33, 35 players, so it’s a skinny squad and there’s nothing better than having competition in the squad or strength in depth, and I’d love a bit more strength in depth in the squad.
“You always keep your ear to the ground, we’re always looking, but we’ve got a few injuries as well. If there’s somebody out there that is of quality and available for the right price then Steve and I would definitely consider it.”