Richards calls for critics cull
Despite leading England to the World Cup final, Ashton has come under fire from some of the players
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Monday, 29, Oct 2007 08:59
Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards has said players who publicly criticise Brian Ashton "should never play for England again".
The comments come soon after two players involved in England's Rugby World Cup squad in France were heavily critical of the management skills demonstrated by the national team head coach.
Veteran Mike Catt, 36, who played a key role in England's recovery as a dependable inside centre, and perennial impact replacement Lawrence Dallaglio, 35, have both made comments in the media recently.
And both have slammed the leadership skills of Ashton, saying he is not properly equipped to lead the England players because he does not command enough respect or prepare the players correctly for matches.
Both Catt and Dallaglio said they were forced to take on quasi-coaching responsibilities to guide the younger players and provide leadership in the dressing room.
But Richards, who called the comments "disgraceful" and those expressing their views "unscrupulous", says such behaviour should be eliminated from rugby because it goes against the ethos of the game.
"I find it very disturbing that players are slating Brian," Richards told BBC Radio Five Live.
"I don't know what the planning and preparation was, but irrespective of what it was, you don't do your dirty washing in public.
"If you have concerns and you want to express them, you express them to the right people - in this case it would be Rob Andrew - but you don't go to the press.
"You open up the newspaper in the morning, a week after the World Cup final, and you don't expect to see the hype that you've seen.
"These guys should never play for England again."