Neath RFC is sorry to learn of the death of former 1950’s outside-half Bryan Richards who passed away on January 3.

Bryan Richards emerged from those two great rugby academies Neath Grammar School and Neath Athletic Colts and studied at Swansea University then Cambridge University where he won a Blue in 1955.

Those studies limited the typical side-stepping outside-half to around 40 appearances for Neath and he later played for Swansea, London Welsh and the R.A.F. where he did his National Service before becoming a school-master at Christ’s College Brecon, Northern Grammar School Portsmouth, Dulwich College and finally at Rugby School.

He won his one and only Welsh cap against France in 1960 – and was the last fly-half to wear No.6 on his shirt as Wales changed to ‘modern’ numbering the following season. He was Wales’ oldest-surviving outside-half at the time of his death.

An all-round sportsman, he played cricket for Glamorgan 2nds and, although during retirement he suffered ill-health, he joined the English Blind Golfers Association, eventually playing and becoming captain of England – which, as a Welshman, he revelled in.

Neath RFC’s sympathies are extended to his family and friends.