Former England rugby coach Dick Best recently spilled the beans on a fiery expenses spat with the RFU's treasurer after England's 1992 Grand Slam victory. Best, who led England to triumphs in 13 out of his 17 games from 1992 to 1994, revisited the past on the podcast 'The Business End' with former players Liam Mooney and Justin Fitzpatrick, whom he later coached at London Irish.
During the podcast, Best didn't hold back as he recounted the tension-filled episode. "I’ve had some serious run-ins," he admitted. Mooney noted Best's candid leadership style, asking, "Do you ever look back and perhaps think that being outspoken held you back?" Best responded by diving into a particularly telling incident from his time as England coach, highlighting the challenges of navigating rugby's political landscape.
"Talking straight in the old days was something you could do to a certain extent," Best explained. He described how, after a victorious season, a simple expense claim for a babysitter led to a heated exchange. "He rang me up at home one evening and said, ‘I have received your expenses. What the hell do you think you’re playing at?’ I explained it was just £30 for a babysitter, considering we had just grossed millions from the game and merchandise. He reluctantly agreed to pay, but warned me not to do it again without asking first."
"You will be reading about it in The Sun on Monday or Tuesday morning, and your name will be mentioned. So what would you like to do about that?"
Best reflected on his confrontational approach, acknowledging some regrets. "There have been times when I have said things that I have regretted. You don’t need to be like that. Be kind is the expression they use now," he mused, indicating a shift in his perspective over the years.
The discussion sheds light not only on Best's fiery tenure but also on the broader dynamics within rugby management, where financial scrutiny often clashes with team needs. As the sport continues to evolve, such candid reflections from its veterans are invaluable in understanding the pressures and decisions that shape the game.
Best's story is a stark reminder of the personal and professional trials faced by those at the top of the sport, highlighting the often unseen challenges of rugby management.
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Former England rugby coach Dick Best recently spilled the beans on a fiery expenses spat with the RFU's treasurer after England's 1992 Grand Slam victory. Best, who led England to triumphs in 13 out of his 17 games from 1992 to 1994, revisited the past on the podcast 'The Business End' with former players Liam Mooney and Justin Fitzpatrick, whom he later coached at London Irish.
During the podcast, Best didn't hold back as he recounted the tension-filled episode. "I’ve had some serious run-ins," he admitted. Mooney noted Best's candid leadership style, asking, "Do you ever look back and perhaps think that being outspoken held you back?" Best responded by diving into a particularly telling incident from his time as England coach, highlighting the challenges of navigating rugby's political landscape.
"Talking straight in the old days was something you could do to a certain extent," Best explained. He described how, after a victorious season, a simple expense claim for a babysitter led to a heated exchange. "He rang me up at home one evening and said, ‘I have received your expenses. What the hell do you think you’re playing at?’ I explained it was just £30 for a babysitter, considering we had just grossed millions from the game and merchandise. He reluctantly agreed to pay, but warned me not to do it again without asking first."
"You will be reading about it in The Sun on Monday or Tuesday morning, and your name will be mentioned. So what would you like to do about that?"
Best reflected on his confrontational approach, acknowledging some regrets. "There have been times when I have said things that I have regretted. You don’t need to be like that. Be kind is the expression they use now," he mused, indicating a shift in his perspective over the years.
The discussion sheds light not only on Best's fiery tenure but also on the broader dynamics within rugby management, where financial scrutiny often clashes with team needs. As the sport continues to evolve, such candid reflections from its veterans are invaluable in understanding the pressures and decisions that shape the game.
Best's story is a stark reminder of the personal and professional trials faced by those at the top of the sport, highlighting the often unseen challenges of rugby management.