Dragons back David Richards is relishing his opportunities since re-joining the Men of Gwent in the summer.
The three-quarter has impressed for Dragons, scoring on the wing in the home wins against Scarlets and Newcastle Red Bulls, while he also started at 13 in the crucial come-from-behind victory over Lyon.
Richards came through the Dragons Academy, having attended Monmouth School and scored a memorable brace against Zebre on his first start in the 2022/23 season.
However, a horror hamstring injury against Lions halted his progression, with Richards taking up a “nine to five” role at Dragons Commercial team.
“Going back, 18 months now, I had a fair few injuries,” recalled Richards.
“The way things worked out I found that I no longer had a professional contract.
“I found myself with a commercial role at Dragons, selling hospitality, tickets and whatnot, which I enjoyed for six months.
“It certainly gave me a new perspective on life I’d say and how lucky we are as rugby players to do what we love every single day.
“It’s definitely a different challenge to doing a nine-to-five.”
Richards continued to play for Newport RFC and was a key part of the Black and Ambers’ Super Rygbi Cymru winning side last season, which ultimately earnt him a spot back in the Dragons squad.
“I was lucky enough to win the SRC last season with Newport,” said Richards.
“Playing for them gave me a new outlook on my rugby, while I had a break from pro rugby and the demands you have with it.
“That’s probably what my body needed as well as my mind.
“Mentally it takes its toll when you have a lot of injuries and a break from professional rugby is probably what I needed.”
After being having a try against Glasgow disallowed, Richards crossed the whitewash on New Year’s Day against Scarlets amid huge celebrations, admitting that “the wave of boys coming towards me, I think most were more chuffed than I was.”
Now, after admitting he has played more than he had initially expected, Richards is looking to push on as Dragons look to take their home momentum on the road against Munster and Ospreys.
Richards can take inspiration from his sister and Welsh international Catherine Richards who has been part of an impressive Gwalia Lightning side, winning three of their first four games from this years’ Celtic Challenge, including an impressive away victory at Glasgow Warriors.
“Catherine’s going well withing a quality group at the moment at Gwalia Lightning,” said Richards.
“It was a very proud family moment about 18 months ago when she won her first Wales cap in the Six Nations against France, we were all there and it was a very special day for us as a family.
“But does drive me? Yes definitely!”
It certainly gave me a new perspective on life I’d say and how lucky we are as rugby players to do what we love every single day...
