Richards has hinted that he could join the England set-up

Corry, who played under Richards at Leicester, has joined veteran Mike Catt in saying that the current Harlequins boss should succeed Andy Robinson.

"Dean's success speaks for itself," Corry told BBC Radio Five Live. "He knows the game of rugby inside out.

"I don't know who else is up for the job but would I be excited about playing with Dean again? Yes."

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Robinson was sacked as England head coach last month after a dismal run of eight defeats in nine games.

Richards, who led Leicester to four consecutive domestic league titles (1999-2002) as well to back-to-back victories in the Heineken Cup (2001 and 2002), is one of the names mentioned as a possible successor.

The 43-year-old guided Harlequins back to the Premiership last summer in his first season in charge.

And the former England number eight has hinted he could be tempted to join the international set-up, depending on what job was on offer.

I have to prove between now and the Six Nations that I am the best man to be playing for England Martin Corry

"I know Dean and he is a quality guy," added Corry.

"He came in when Leicester were not doing well and turned us into a team that won four league wins and two European Cups."

Corry's captaincy also came under intense pressure during the autumn series as England lost to New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa.

And the Leicester number eight says he determined to prove that he should retain his place in the England side for the Six Nations.

"If the selectors think I am the best player for the job then they will pick me," he said.

"And once they have picked the team, if they think I am the most suitable player to captain the side they will pick me as captain.

"What I have to do is prove between now and the Six Nations that I am the best man to be playing for England.

"If that is the case then the selectors will pick me."

Corry has also expressed sympathy for Robinson, saying "it was disappointing to see him go because I think a lot of the problems came from players making uncharacteristic mistakes on the field".

And he says that changes must be made to the structure of English rugby if the national team are to become a world force again.

"The way English rugby is run is not the ideal scenario," he said. "Holding one person responsible for the whole system is probably not right.

"I don't know what the right answer is and there is a task force in place to find the solutions.

"But I am not sure that in the immediate future, central contracts are the way forward."