Little did the club, or Richard’s dad Mel, currently club President, realise that this eager youngster would be part of not only a huge expansion of junior rugby to a 300 plus membership, but that he would also play at Wetherby for many years, representing them over 100 times and captaining their first XV.

Retiring after 15 years of senior rugby, Richard took on coaching duties, becoming Vice Chairman of the Mini Junior Section, encouraging the growing number of young players and a dedicated head coach to his son Frankie’s closely knit, undefeated U12s team.

He also used his specialist skills to help the club with audio visual equipment, was a big support when the clubhouse was rebuilt and had begun working on a refurbishment project to make the interior of that clubhouse more appealing and somewhere the whole community would enjoy spending time.

Richard epitomised the saying that ‘if you want a job done, give it to a busy man’ - he built an international, award-winning business Clever Association and still found time for family, the rugby club and to support Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa, which helps children and young people with a life-limiting condition and their families. Richard kitted out The Den there with equipment to entertain the youngsters.