Richmond conditioning coach Mel Deane admits he is a relieved man director of rugby Geoff Richards took out an insurance policy against him getting injured on his surprise return to the sport.

The 35-year-old tough tackling centre made his first start for the Athletic Ground club since coming out of retirement, in a 24-16 defeat to Ealing earlier this month.

Fitness instructor Deane, registered as a player at the start of the season, had been persuaded to pull on the boots again after a run out with Richmond’s third team before Christmas.

But his return was marred by a broken right hand - now pinned together - after just 30 minutes of the match, leaving the Irishman counting his lucky stars Richards had done the necessary paperwork.

“I hadn’t planned to play again but Geoff spoke to me about it a few weeks earlier, so I agreed to give playing with the third team a go and see how I went,” he said.

“I had missed smashing into people and I really enjoyed playing, so I thought it was probably a good idea for the club to insure me against loss of earnings and take it from there.

“I hadn’t planned on getting injured, but I haven’t been able to work since. It is my dominant hand and I’m not allowed to drive, so getting around has been a real problem. It is really frustrating.”

Deane will be out of action for at least three weeks as Richards’ men look to revive their flagging fortunes in 2010, having started the year four places off the foot of the National League Two South table.

The latest injury blow is another on a long list of casualties that has blighted Richmond’s campaign, but Deane is confident the grass roots of recovery are growing.

“Barking was a big turning point for us I think. We were unlucky not to come away with a win from there,” he added.

“On average they score 40 points-a-game at home and we got a losing bonus point with a 24-19 defeat. We did really well.

“The signs are there that we are turning the corner. The weather has meant we have got a few boys back from injury, so I think we are going into the second half of the season in a stronger position.”