Richardson: A Professional Rugby Journey from Cumbria to Nottingham
The path to professional rugby is often a climb through various tiers of competition, requiring resilience and a steady progression of skill. For Richardson, a specialist loosehead prop—the player positioned on the left side of the front row in a scrum—this journey began in the grassroots clubs of Northern England before ascending to the highest levels of the English game.
Early Development and Academic Foundation
Richardson's rugby roots are firmly planted in Cumbria, where he played junior rugby with his home-town club at Penrith. To complement his athletic development, he attended Leeds Beckett University, where he pursued a degree in Sports and Exercise Science, blending academic knowledge of human performance with practical on-field experience.
The Climb Through National Leagues
The transition to senior rugby saw Richardson testing his strength in the competitive environment of the National Leagues. Ahead of the 2017/18 season, he joined Fylde in National One. He further honed his craft by spending a season with the Rotherham Titans in National League 1, establishing himself as a reliable presence in the front row.
Ascension to the Championship and Premiership
On 19 March 2019, Richardson made a significant step up to the RFU Championship—the second tier of English rugby—by signing with the Jersey Reds for the 2019–20 season. His consistent performances eventually caught the eye of the elite level; on 9 July 2021, he secured a move to Premiership Rugby with the Leicester Tigers ahead of the 2021–22 campaign.
His debut for the Tigers occurred on 13 November 2021, appearing as a second-half substitute during a Premiership Rugby Cup victory over the Sale Sharks at Welford Road. It took several seasons of development before he made his first Premiership start on 26 January 2024, contributing to a narrow 20-19 victory against Harlequins at the Stoop.
Current Chapter with Nottingham
Following his tenure with the Tigers, Richardson entered a new phase of his professional career. On 23 May 2024, it was officially announced that he had signed with Nottingham.
Key Facts
- Position: Loosehead Prop
- Education: Sports and Exercise Science at Leeds Beckett University
- Premiership Debut: 13 November 2021 (vs Sale Sharks)
- First Premiership Start: 26 January 2024 (vs Harlequins)
- Current Club: Nottingham (signed May 2024)
| Period/Date | Club/Organization | Level/Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | Penrith | Home-town Club |
| University | Leeds Beckett University | Academic/Student Rugby |
| 2017/18 | Fylde | National One |
| Post-Fylde | Rotherham Titans | National League 1 |
| 2019–20 | Jersey Reds | RFU Championship |
| 2021–2024 | Leicester Tigers | Premiership Rugby |
| May 2024 | Nottingham | Professional Rugby |
Frequently Asked Questions
What position does Richardson play?
Richardson plays as a loosehead prop, which is a critical role in the front row of the rugby scrum.
Where did Richardson study for his degree?
He studied Sports and Exercise Science at Leeds Beckett University.
When did Richardson make his first start in the Premiership?
He made his first Premiership start on 26 January 2024, in a match where his team defeated Harlequins 20-19.
Which clubs did Richardson play for before joining the Leicester Tigers?
Before joining the Tigers, he played for Penrith, Fylde, the Rotherham Titans, and the Jersey Reds.
Which club did Richardson join in May 2024?
Richardson was announced as a new signing for Nottingham on 23 May 2024.