Richmond director of rugby Geoff Richards says ‘philosophical differences’ between him and the Board were behind his decision not to renew his contract with the club.

The former England Women’s Grand Slam winning coach signed off his Athletic Ground reign with a spectacular 51-22 point triumph over Dings Crusaders on Saturday.

He officially steps down on May 1 having led his team to an eighth place finish in the National League Division Two South table after a frustrating injury-marred campaign.

Richards took Richmond to fourth place in his first season in charge, but was unable to repeat that success in a competition dominated this year by big spending Barking, Ealing and Rosslyn Park.

And he insists there were no hard feelings between him and the club’s hierarchy over the parting of their ways.

“There were philosophical differences between how I thought the club should move forward next season and how they want to see it progress, “ he said.

“We agreed to disagree on that and hence I took the decision to move on.

“In a semi-professional league, as this is, you need to be a bit more player focused and I think that is probably where we disagreed.

“Richmond has never been a club to throw the money around and I agree with that. They are financially sustainable and in very good health “I’ve enjoyed my time here and made a lot of good friends. The club as a whole is doing fantastically well.”

Richards leaves the club with the colts having reached a national final, the women having won their Premiership and a men’s team set to contest the final of the Surrey Cup on Sunday.

Tries from Johnny Wehbe (3), Peter Clarke (2), Joe Brown and Alex Maclennan brought the curtain down at the weekend in style, but it left the coach thinking of what might have been.

“I’ve used 51 or 51 players this season and Saturday was the only time all season where we have been able to name the same side for two consecutive matches,” he added.

“It doesn’t help with continuity, but it shows we have a strong squad that is able to step things up when needed.

“Conditions haven’t helped us and I think that is proved by the fact we have won five of our last seven games when the firmer grounds have suited our style of play.

“To beat a side so emphatically after they beat us on the opening day, shows progress and character.”