Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards has reacted angrily to criticism aimed at England coach Brian Ashton.
Former England international slates current stars
Dean Richards has reacted angrily to criticism aimed at England coach Brian Ashton by his players, the Harlequins director of rugby stating that they should never play for their country again.
Speaking following his side's 10-8 victory over London Irish in the EDF Energy Cup, Richards' response was aimed in the directions of Lawrence Dallaglio and Mike Catt, who both spoke out against Ashton in Sunday newspapers.
The former international said: "I find it very disturbing that players are coming out and slating Brian.
"I think it's absolutely disgraceful. These guys should never play for England again.
"Everybody has reasons on occasion to criticise coaches but the unwritten rule in rugby is that you don't criticise each other in the press. It's an absolute disgrace.
"You've got a coach who's taken you into the World Cup final and there may have been a certain amount of discord, but you'd have taken that this time last year."
However, Richards was rather happier with his side's victory, which was secured courtesy of a Chris Hala'ufia try and five points from Adrian Jarvis.
"We were a bit surprised to be up at half-time and we shut them down in the second half," he added.
Frustration
Meanwhile London Irish counterpart Brian Smith readily vented his frustration after the Exiles had two tries disallowed.
Debutant Peter Richards and number eight Phil Murphy were the players whose efforts were denied, although the latter did touch down in the first half.
Delon Armitage also kicked a penalty for Irish but later limped off, with Smith left to deal with another injury setback following the broken wrist suffered by Shane Geraghty in training.
He said: "Peter Richards should have been awarded his try but we didn't take our chances in the second half and we were frustrated by random refereeing decisions, but we didn't help ourselves because we turned the ball over in their 22.
"On five or six occasions in the game we had a chance to turn pressure into points inside their 22 and we didn't take them, so with all the intent in the world and coming here wanting to play, we have to be better than that.
"We didn't deserve victory on that basis."
