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This article is about the rugby union coach. For other persons, see Richard Best.

Dick Best (born 22 September 1954) is a former rugby union player, coach, and current journalist.

Dick Best was born in the East End of London. He started playing rugby at school and then was invited to play Harlequins at the age of 18. He stayed with Harlequins for around 25 years.[1]

He coached the England national team from after their defeat in the Rugby World Cup Final in 1991 until August 1994[2][3]. England won 13 and lost four (two by a single point) of the 17 games played when Best was their coach.[4] This included winning the Grand Slam in 1992.[5] He also coached the England A and Sevens teams.

He was a coach on the 1993 British Lions tour to New Zealand.[6]

After coaching England, Dick Best coached Harlequins for a couple of seasons, saving them from relegation. They finished third the following season and were in the semi-finals of the Pilkington Cup, until he was controversially sacked in May 1997[7].

Best was Director of Rugby at London Irish until he was sacked on 5th April, 2001.

He later became an agent[8] and an occasional coach, including at Swansea, Western Province, Southend RFC.[9]

References

  1. ^ The Rugby Journal (28 April 2026). Rugby Lives: Dick Best on East London upbringing to captaining Harlequins and coaching England. Retrieved 30 April 2026 – via YouTube.
  2. ^ Nolan, Lawrence (27 August 2025). “‘Messed around’ ex-England coach recalls bizarre expenses row”. Planet Rugby. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  3. ^ Bale, Steve (24 November 2011). “Dick Best: Money is at root of it all”. Express.co.uk. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  4. ^ Glover, Tim (26 December 1999). “Interview – Dick Best: England expects, so does he”. The Independent. Retrieved 21 April 2013.
  5. ^ Nolan, Lawrence (27 August 2025). “‘Messed around’ ex-England coach recalls bizarre expenses row”. Planet Rugby. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  6. ^ “Tourists’ bid for glory undermined by Carling”.
  7. ^ “Harlequins sack Best over dispute with players”. The Irish Times. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  8. ^ Bale, Steve (24 November 2011). “Dick Best: Money is at root of it all”. Express.co.uk. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  9. ^ “Former England coach Dick Best to boost Southend Rugby Club”. Echo. 17 January 2013. Retrieved 30 April 2026.