#4. Dean Richards – 25/1
Another name mentioned is Leicester legend Richards. Richards played as a number eight for Leicester Tigers from 1982 to 1997, during which he appeared in 314 games.
He served as captain when Leicester won the 1994-95 Courage League, the 1997 Pilkington Cup, the inaugural English league title in 1987-88, and the 1993 Pilkington Cup.
After retiring from playing in 1998, Richards was appointed as Leicester Director of Rugby. Under his leadership, Leicester won the Premiership Rugby title in his first four seasons and also the Heineken Cup in 2001 and 2002, becoming the first team to retain the trophy.
He then spent one year as head coach of FC Grenoble in France’s Top 16. From 2005 to 2009, he coached Harlequins and led them to victory in the second division in 2006, and also to a second-place finish in the Premiership in 2009. However, Richards was banned from coaching for three years following the Bloodgate scandal.
Once his ban was over, he was appointed head coach of Newcastle Falcons, and led the team to another second-division title in 2013.
#3. Alex Sanderson – 20/1
This scenario seems highly improbable. The Sale director of rugby recently signed a new three-year contract with the Premiership club.
The 44-year-old, who made 90 appearances for the Sharks as a player, returned to the club in January 2021.
Sale reached the Premiership final last season and secured another top-four finish this term.
