This post was originally published on this site.
David Richards was working for the Dragons’ commercial department last season, but now he’s in a European semi-final
This weekend, David Richards will take in the sights and sounds of a European semi-final in France.
The kind of event that simply doesn’t need selling. That’s just as well, given Richards has left that part of his life behind.
Last season, the 26-year-old wing was working in the Dragons’ commercial department, having taken a break from the professional game after being beset by injuries.
However, a year on, Richards has been a crucial part of the Men of Gwent’s run to the Challenge Cup semi-final – starting all six matches of their European campaign so far this season.
It’s a remarkable story of perseverance – as those who played alongside him at Rodney Parade know only too well.
Former Dragons wing Ashton Hewitt was a team-mate of utility back Richards during his first spell at the Dragons.
“It’s such a positive story,” Hewitt told WalesOnline. “I think he’s touched on it before, how you can take the position we have as rugby players for granted a little bit.
“He had insight into that when he went into the real world, if you like. He was still playing for Newport and he was head and shoulders above in that the SRC.
“It’s well-deserved. It’s a good story of someone who just doesn’t give up.
“He had terrible luck with injuries. You almost ran out of things to say to him when he’d return to training and then pull a hamstring.
“He had a real nightmare with it. As far as knowing him personally and what he’s been through, it’s just great to see the impact he’s made so far this season.
“For people that don’t know him personally, it’s quite inspirational really for anyone looking to stay in rugby, or make a return. Anyone who really has aspirations to reach professional rugby, it’s sort of the perfect story to show it’s achievable.”
Richards’ first stint ultimately only brought four appearances before injuries took their toll. A snapped hamstring in that fourth game was a set-back, with Richards dropping into the semi-professional game with Newport when the Dragons didn’t offer him a new contract.
However, they did hand him a job in the commercial team, with Richards selling hospitality and tickets.
The 9-to-5 desk job allowed him to find a new perspective on rugby, while his performances for Newport eventually earned him a place back in the professional game.
He was man of the match in the Black and Ambers’ Premiership Cup final win against Aberavon in 2022, while he was a key figure as Newport won the SRC last year.
Having played 15 times for the Dragons this season, Richards’ story has undoubtedly had a happy ending – even if the inspirational nature of his tale didn’t make him immune to banter.
“You can imagine he’d get a little bit of stick,” added Hewitt. “Especially when we were down at Rodney Parade and he’d be busting to get involved with the boys.
“But it was great at the same time to still have him around. Perhaps if he’d have gone onto different things and moved away, he might not have made that comeback.
“So it was great that the Dragons gave him that opportunity, first and foremost, and kept him in the environment, even if it’s in a different capacity to what we would have wanted. But things could have been very different if the Dragons didn’t give him that opportunity internally and if he wasn’t still around the place.
“He had that hunger to make it back. It was weird seeing him organising the commercial events and going bits and bobs in his chinos and shirt, but he’s back in the shorts and jersey now.”
Having scored four tries for the Dragons this season, Richards will be desperate to add to his tally against Montpellier on Sunday to keep the fairytale return to rugby going.
“The way he beats defenders, he’s so athletic,” said Hewitt. “He’s had his fair share of finishes this season.”
Premier Sports is the home of Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup in the UK and Ireland – with every minute of live action from four thrilling semi-finals this weekend plus Finals weekend in Bilbao on May 22/23. Tune into Premier Sports 2 from 12 noon on Sunday for all the live action from Montpellier v Dragons RFC with Lauren Jenkins, Ashton Hewitt, Bernard Jackman, Tom Shanklin, Connor Morris, Johnnie Beattie. To join in www.premiersports.com from just £11.99 a month @PremSportsTV
