When England beat Wales at The Stoop, for Head Coach Geoff Richards it was a double celebration. Michael Lynagh surprised him with a presentation of his long lost Wallaby cap (pictured), which had never reached Geoff from the ARU.

Geoff played full back for Easts (Sydney) and New South Wales and his Australian debut came in 1978 when he replaced Paul McLean in the second test v New Zealand at Christchurch. His second cap was in the third test, which Australia won 30-16 and his third in 1981 when Australia beat France 17-15. He was twice captain and coach of the Australian 7s team in Hong Kong. Despite the Aussie accent, Geoff was actually born in Hornchurch, Essex. He played for England Schools, England Under 23 and the Barbarians and also captained Wasps during the 1976/77 season, before moving to Australia.

This is Geoff’s fourth year in charge of the England women’s team. Coaching since 1970, he was in charge of the Australian Schools side, coached at the Australian Institute of Sport and was assistant coach to the national Under 21 and A teams before taking on the England women’s team.