Dean Richards was today backed to return to rugby when his three-year ban ends, despite his role in the 'Bloodgate' scandal that has left his career in ruins.
The former Harlequins director of rugby, 46, was found to be at the centre of a cover-up over an incident in the club's Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat to Leinster in April in which wing Tom Williams faked a facial cut.
Richards, who resigned last weekend, was also found to have been involved in four similar incidents, hence the severity of his three-year suspension.
Yet his former Leicester and England team-mate, Neil Back, is confident that Richards can repair his battered reputation and eventually return to the game.
The Leeds director of rugby and 2003 World Cup winner told PA Sport: 'I am upset, I am disappointed and I am surprised at what has happened with Deano.
'But the authorities have looked at the case, they're in possession of all the facts, and they've made a decision.
'He's got involved in something which is unfortunate but Deano is a great man and a great father to his children.
'You speak to him about his kids and there's a little twinkle in his eye.
'He's a very proud man and I'm sure he will be back in the game when his ban is completed.
'Playing alongside Deano for Leicester and England was fantastic because he's a rugby icon. Hopefully he can return to the game in time.'
Back, 40, also insisted he had never encountered any such cover-ups during his long and distinguished career in the game.
He added: 'I may be naive but I've never been involved in a club where personally I've seen anything like this happen.'
Back is currently preparing Leeds for their return to the Guinness Premiership and has recruited former England scrum-half Andy Gomarsall to bolster his squad for the tough challenge that lies ahead.
Gomarsall played under Richards at Harlequins and joined Back in supporting the former England forward.
'I have sympathy for Deano and his family because it affects them too,' said Gomarsall.
'He's a great character and is loved by the public massively.
'We were at a charity dinner a month ago and the welcome that he got was unique.
'It's a very sad situation and I hope after the three years he will back in rugby.'
