David Richards (rugby union, born 1999)

David Richards (born 30 July 1999)[1] is a Welsh professional rugby union player who plays as a fullback for Newport RFC, and previously the Dragons.

David Richards
Birth nameDavid Richards
Date of birth (1999-07-30) 30 July 1999 (age 25)
Place of birthCwmbran, Wales
Height1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight93 kg (205 lb; 14 st 9 lb)
SchoolMonmouth School
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fullback
Current team Newport
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2018– Newport 45 (50)
2022–2024 Dragons 4 (10)
Correct as of 12 September 2024

Club career

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Early life and amateur rugby

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Richards attended Monmouth School, and came through the Dragons academy.[2] Richards played for Newport RFC, and was named Player of the Match in their 2022 Premiership Cup win.[2]

Dragons

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Richards was named in the Dragons first team for the 2021–22 season, as was added to their European squad in January 2022.[3] He made his debut for the Dragons in Round 5 of the 2021–22 EPCR Challenge Cup against Gloucester.[4]

He made his first start against Zebre in the United Rugby Championship on 29 October 2022. During the match, Richards scored two tries and was subsequently named Player of the Match.[5] Richards started the following match against the Lions, but suffered a hamstring injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.[6]

Ahead of the 2023–24 United Rugby Championship season, Richards signed a contract extension with the Dragons.[2]

During the off-season, Richards was sidelined with a back injury, and he sustained a recurrence of the hamstring injury on his return match for Newport RFC.[7]

Richards was released by the Dragons, and joined Newport on a full contract ahead of the 2024–25 season.[8]

References

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  1. ^ "David Richards". Dragons. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
  2. ^ a b c "Dragons boss challenges young trio to kick on after signing new deals". South Wales Argus. 10 April 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  3. ^ "Dragons add full-back Dai Richards to European squad". South Wales Argus. 12 January 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
  4. ^ "European Challenge Cup: Dragons 21-26 Gloucester - Dragons finish bottom of Pool B". BBC Sport. 9 April 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
  5. ^ "United Rugby Championship: Dragons 47-7 Zebre". BBC Sport. 29 October 2022. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  6. ^ "Young Dragons speedster suffers serious injury after grasping chance on the wing". South Wales Argus. 30 November 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  7. ^ "Rapid Dragons back waiting to learn extend of damage after nightmare return". South Wales Argus. 2 February 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  8. ^ "Rapid full-back Richards signs for Newport after the end of his Dragons deal". South Wales Argus. 25 July 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.