Dean Richards unites all-Premiership coaching staff at Doncaster Knights for Championship push

Doncaster Knights have assembled an experienced all-Premiership coaching ticket ahead of next season’s Championship campaign, with director of rugby Dean Richards confirming the appointments of Carl Hogg as head coach and Alan Dickens as attack coach.

Richards himself was appointed just two weeks ago, arriving at the Yorkshire club after a career that included spells in charge of Newcastle Falcons, Leicester Tigers, and Harlequins. The 57-year-old had most recently been working with London 2 Anglia side Wymondham before Doncaster moved to bring him in as their new top man.

Hogg, also 57, is a vastly experienced former Scotland flanker who has been serving as director of rugby at Dinamo Bucharest in Romania. Born in Galashiels, he ended his playing career with Leeds Tykes — where Dickens was a team-mate — and began his coaching career at the same club. His appointment as head coach reunites him with familiar faces and familiar territory in Yorkshire rugby.

Dickens, a former England Under-20s head coach, spent much of last season as Newcastle Red Bulls head coach and joins Doncaster as attack coach, replacing Jacob Ford, who departed for Sale Sharks. Ironically, Dickens had also been in contention for the role at the Sharks that ultimately went to Ford, and has recently held talks with Harlequins about a coaching position there as well.

Richards spoke warmly of the new addition. “I’m delighted to welcome Alan to Doncaster Knights. He’s someone I’ve known and come up against over many years, and his experience, rugby knowledge and ability to develop players will be a tremendous asset to the club,” he said. “Just as importantly, Alan is an outstanding person whose values align perfectly with the culture we’re building. I’m looking forward to working alongside him, and I’m confident he’ll have a hugely positive impact on both our players and staff as we continue to move the club forward.”

Lions legend Sir Ian McGeechan will continue in a consultancy role at the club, offering support and guidance as the Knights build toward a longer-term ambition. The club is understood to have received a significant cash injection this summer and is positioning itself to be ready when the Gallagher Premiership expands from 10 to 12 clubs, a move expected within the next three to four years.