The Sunday Interview: Derek Richardson

Multimillion euro deal-sealer Derek Richardson is making a name for himself as the man for a lost cause

Derek Richardson: "a rugby business will not succeed here unless you break the mould" Picture: Aimee Richardson

Five years before Irishman Derek Richardson bought Wasps, one of the oldest and most successful rugby clubs in England, they were national champions. Five hours before he advanced them an emergency loan of £500,000, they were about to be wiped off the face of the earth.

Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) was breathing heavily down Wasps’ neck, and was just hours away from calling time on the club, which was approaching its ...