David Richards: From Dragons commercial department to first team

Last season David Richards was trying to put bums on seats as part of Dragons’ commercial department, now he is doing it as a member of Filo Tiatia’s squad.

The utility back is enjoying a second spell with the Rodney Parade club and made his eighth appearance in the Challenge Cup hammering at Benetton on Saturday.

Despite a tough evening in Treviso, Richards will hope to feature on Friday when Dragons host Newcastle (20:00 GMT) in the bid for a spot in the knockout stages.

He was a try scorer last time out in Newport when Scarlets were beaten 28-5 for a third successive home victory.

The region has not won four on the spin since they enjoyed a five-victory streak under Dean Ryan from December 2019 to February 2020.

The 26-year-old has reaped the rewards of taking a break from the professional game after being plagued by injuries.

With no contract on the table, Richards took up a role as a new business executive with Dragons while playing for Newport in Super Rygbi Cymru.

“I found myself with a commercial role, selling hospitality, tickets and what not,” said the former Monmouth School pupil.

“I enjoyed it and it certainly gave me a new perspective on life and how lucky we are as rugby players to do what we love every single day.

“A nine-to-five job was a challenge and gave me a new outlook on my rugby. A break from the demands of being a professional player was probably what my body and mind needed.

“It takes its toll mentally when you have a lot of injuries, so it was just what I needed.”