Ben Rutten will re-join Richmond’s coaching department next season, following four years at Essendon, including two as the senior coach.

Rutten was an assistant coach at Richmond from 2015-2018, playing a key role in the Club’s drought-breaking 2017 premiership as defensive coach.

The 39-year-old formed excellent relationships and built a reputation that contributed to him being announced as John Worsfold’s successor after his first season with the Bombers.

Rutten’s stellar playing career included 12 years and 229 games at the Adelaide Crows as a key defender.

The 2005 All Australian was known for his on-field tenacity and instructional leadership, aiding the development of younger teammates. He graduated from the “Next Coach” program, helping players transition to an off-field coaching career.

Rutten said he was pleased to be returning to the Swinburne Centre.

“Richmond is a great Club, and I am still very familiar with a majority of the playing list and staff which makes me excited about 2023 already,” he said.

“I am looking forward to this fresh opportunity and the challenge of helping the Club return to the top of the ladder.”

Richmond General Manager- Football Performance Tim Livingstone said Rutten’s return was exciting news for the Club.

“Ben is a terrific coach that is highly respected by many of our players that have already worked with him,” he said.

“We look forward to bringing his expertise back into our Club and are excited about the benefit it will bring our playing group and broader football department.”

"We are all thrilled to have Ben along with his wife Kylie and boys Jack and Bernie back as part of the Richmond Football Club."