The quiet man

With all the razzmatazz of the Heineken Cup, Stuart Barnes looks to the quiet man guiding Harlequins.

Richards shows the way for England

Dean Richards walked quietly away as his team celebrated the greatest win their club's history. No trophy was lifted but to do what no other club side has ever achieved and win a pool game in Paris against a full strength Stade Francais team was immense. They join Munster as the only team with an away win against this opponent to their name. And Richards gently rolled out of the limelight. One year ago he was distraught after his team had capitulated in Cardiff. He spoke about a few problem positions as the answer to all the team's problems. The rest of us in the media thought he was managing with his head in the sands. Relegation was discussed after a fine first few months of the season, so severe seemed the slide. But Richards was right. He guided the team out of the slump, signed a superb fly half (whilst coaxing a return to form from Chris Malone) but maintained the young team who looked so underpowered. Now they are fighting for success on both domestic and European front with the core of the side a young, growing and tight knit one. They do not play as the Leicester of Richards playing days did but they have the same spirit about them.

History in the making

That alone makes them formidable but with an exceptional spine at eight nine and ten this side can go further and threaten despite a feeling that they are some way from their overall peak. The return match will be a highlight of the Harlequins history, with victory leaving them needing one win from Ulster away (which will be tough) or the Scarlets at home (which should be one of Europe's easier assignments given the West Wales side's state of disarray). There is a vibrancy about the club on and off the field which promises great things in the immediate future and Richards is at its heart. Here is a manager who knows how to win trophies from his glory days at Leicester but perhaps as importantly someone who has suffered setbacks with his dismissal from Grenoble. Failure as a coach is as valuable off the field as losing lessons are for players on it.

England comparisons

There is every sign that Dean Richards has grown with success and failure into the most rounded of English managers. Comparisons with Martin Johnson are inevitable. Both were great Leicester leaders and mighty men of England. Johnson may have beaten Richards to the England job but there is no way anyone could argue that if the World Cup winning captain is to emulate his own playing achievements he has much to do and much to learn from the career of Richards before those of us sceptical about the appointment of an absolute novice into such a pressurised position are convinced.

Scotland calling

So much for an English observation, how about a brief thought on Scottish rugby. Have Scotland finally found their fly half? A young man named Ruaridh Jackson made a Heineken Cup debut at Bath on Sunday and the Glasgow man eclipsed Butch James and appeared to the manor born. It sounds a wild assertion to consider someone for international honours off the back of one day but given a similar showing in the repeat game this weekend and given Scotland's drought conditions as far as finding a complete number ten is concerned, his performance might just prove one of20the most significant individual efforts so far in Europe. Just a thought...now to this week's mail.

Stuart answers your e-mails

Got a question for Stuart? Email him at skysportsclub@bskyb.com or use the feedback form below...

End of an era

As a long time Sharks fan, it was a sad day to hear the news that Phillipe was standing down. He has been an inspirational leader at Edgeley Park and his total commitment to his club has been truly magnificent. Philippe is a commensurate professional and has been available and approachable to the Sharks fans. Do you think it is a good idea not to replace him with someone new and how do you think his leaving will impact the club?
Phillipe STUART REPLIES: Phillipe,All good things come to pass and while the passion and commitment of St Andre has been an inspiration and given a real rugby heart to the region it has not been one long success story. The title was a great achievement for which the Frenchman deserves complete praise but the conservatism that has crept into the once vivid Sale game has caused the club to stumble, rather than stride on, since. St Andre has been a factor in the failings as well as the success. Notwithstanding that I love his love of the game and his heart, worn so obviously on his sleeve. He will be missed in England but maybe Sale can take the opportunity to move their own game on. That is what makes the decision to go for continuity such a brave call. It seems the obvious one to elevate Kingsley Jones from two to one but as Andy Robinson, amongst others in sport has shown, a good two does not make a good boss. Fingers crossed that the amiable Welshman bucks the trend...

Home grown

Stuart, I know there is a big debate about 'non-natives' playing for English clubs, but surely it is not the numbers, but rather the positions. It seems that too many of the clubs rely on them to come up with the big plays. When the English players then move up to international level, they have to provide the big plays themselves. In addition, the English players seem to have the mistaken impression that the better GP sides can play at test match intensity (not helped by the media) when its patently not the case. Do you think the RFU and the clubs can ever work togther to sort this out?
Amanda Kirks, Bristol STUART REPLIES: Amanda, It will be a small miracle if the clubs and union work ANYTHING out together. As for the difference between club and test match rugby, there is a step up, but only against the Tri Nations; at Six Nations level the extra pressure is predominantly psychological with standards generally lower. As for the positional versus numerical debate, let's think this one through, Geraghty, Lamb, Claasens, Flood/Mauger, McAlister/Hodgson, Easter/Care/Evans, De Kock/Jackson...it is a hugely interesting point but not, I would suggest a wholly conclusive one. One to monitor closely and something I will do, thanks for the thought.

Keep the money men out

Morning Stuart, I have just returned from Dubai where I was lucky enough to watch the Dubai Sevens - it was an incredible event and I was amazed how popular it was. It got me thinking of whether there is a place in rugby for a 'Stanford Series' type event? Rugby has certainly got it's fair share of money-men and I was wondering if you think this would hurt the game or if it could be used to to promote the game in say America? Just to let you know I am not one of those money men!
Jonathan Botes STUART REPLIES: Jonathon, I am a Bob Dylan man. As a teenager I learned the lyrics from 'It's Alright Ma', It goes like this - Money doesn't talk it swears/Obscenity who really cares/propaganda all is phoney. No I do not want a money driven ego interfering in this sport; the detrimental impact of extra cash on the soul of all sport is enough to worry about let alone a rugby Stanford. The IRB should be taking responsibility for the promotion and growth of the sport worldwide, not some random billionaire.