View source for Pat Richards

{{short description|Ireland international rugby league footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox rugby league biography
|name           = Pat Richards
|fullname       = Patrick Richards
|image          = Pat Richards (23 April 2005).jpg
|caption        = 
|birth_date     = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1982|2|27}}
|birth_place    = [[Liverpool, New South Wales]], Australia
|height         = {{convert|192|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
|weight         = {{convert|99|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WPlayerP.aspx?id=5|title= Wigan Warriiors Player Profile Pat Richards|work= web page|publisher= wiganwarriors.com|access-date= 16 August 2011|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111209105558/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WPlayerP.aspx?id=5|archive-date= 9 December 2011}}</ref>
|position       = {{rlp|WG|FB|CE}}
|club1          = [[Parramatta Eels]]
|year1start     = 2000
|year1end       = 03
|appearances1   = 37
|tries1         = 14
|goals1         = 4 
|fieldgoals1    = 0 
|points1        = 64
|club2          = [[Wests Tigers]]
|year2start     = 2004
|year2end       = 05
|appearances2   = 39
|tries2         = 26 
|goals2         = 0 
|fieldgoals2    = 0 
|points2        = 104
|club3          = [[Wigan Warriors]]
|year3start     = 2006
|year3end       = 13
|appearances3   = 244
|tries3         = 167
|goals3         = 898
|fieldgoals3    = 4 
|points3        = 2468
|club4          = [[Wests Tigers]]
|year4start     = 2014
|year4end       = 15
|appearances4   = 43
|tries4         = 26
|goals4         = 118
|fieldgoals4    = 2
|points4        = 342
|club5          = {{nowrap|[[Catalans Dragons]]}}
|year5start     = 2016
|year5end       = 
|appearances5   = 21
|tries5         = 9
|goals5         = 76
|fieldgoals5    = 0
|points5        = 188
|teamA          = [[Ireland national rugby league team|Ireland]]
|yearAstart     = 2008
|yearAend       = 13
|appearancesA   = 7
|triesA         = 3 
|goalsA         = 11 
|fieldgoalsA    = 0 
|pointsA        = 34
|teamB          = [[Exiles rugby league team|Exiles]]
|yearBstart     = 2011
|yearBend       = 13 
|appearancesB   = 2
|triesB         = 0 
|goalsB         = 3 
|fieldgoalsB    = 0 
|pointsB        = 6
|updated        = 17 July 2016
|source         = <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/stats/players/|title=Players|website=LoveRugbyLeague.com|access-date=17 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/pat-richards/summary.html|title=Pat Richards - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=17 November 2021}}</ref><ref>[http://203.166.101.37/NRL08/playercareer.asp?lplayer=196 NRL Stats]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
|retired        = yes
}}

'''Pat Richards''' (born 27 February 1982) is a former professional [[rugby league]] footballer. An [[Ireland national rugby league team|Ireland]] international {{rlp|wg}}er, he played in the [[National Rugby League]] for Sydney clubs the [[Parramatta Eels]] and the [[Wests Tigers]], with whom he won the [[2005 NRL season|2005 NRL Premiership]], and the [[Wigan Warriors]] and the [[Catalans Dragons]] in the [[Super League]], winning the [[2010 Super League Grand Final|2010]] and [[2013 Super League Grand Final]]s with the former. While in Super League, Richards won the [[Man of Steel Awards|Man of Steel]] award in 2010 and is the highest overseas points-scorer in the competition's history.

==Early life==
Born in [[Liverpool, New South Wales]], Australia to Irish parents.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/young-wests-tigers-stars-excite-returning-veteran-pat-richards/news-story/7d0dc77c25a56abbebc0cad3900e45c5|title=Young cubs excite veteran Richards|author=Paul Crawley|website=Dailytelegraph.com.au|date=6 November 2013|access-date=17 November 2021}}</ref> Richards attended St Therese Primary School and [[Westfields Sports High School]]. He played junior rugby league for the Cabramatta club.  Richards was an accomplished cricketer before deciding to take up rugby league on a full time basis.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/more-sport/sadness-at-test-star-s-tragic-death-1-6977852 |title=Sadness at Test star's tragic death - Wigan Today |website=www.wigantoday.net |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522041257/https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/more-sport/sadness-at-test-star-s-tragic-death-1-6977852 |archive-date=22 May 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Club career==
===Parramatta Eels (2000–2003)===
Richards played for [[Parramatta Eels]] between 2000 and 2003. In 2001 he was unable to play in the [[grand final]] due to a broken leg.<ref>{{cite news|last=Walter|first=Brad|title=Richards gets maximum gain from all the pain|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/richards-gets-maximum-gain-from-all-the-pain/2005/10/02/1128191611153.html|access-date=25 September 2011|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=3 October 2005}}</ref> After the 2003 season Richards moved to [[Wests Tigers]] after being told by Parramatta coach Brian Smith that he was unwanted for the next season and that he should focus on his cricketing career and forget Rugby League altogether.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/cricket/wigan-warrior-pat-richards-gave-405446|title=Wigan Warrior Pat Richards gave up cricket chance for Australia|first=Trevor|last=Baxter|date=8 July 2009|website=Mirror.co.uk|access-date=17 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/pat-richards-stars-as-wests-tigers-swamp-parramatta-eels-with-late-flourish-20150406-1mfct4.html|title=Pat Richards stars as Wests Tigers swamp Parramatta Eels with late flourish|first=Brad|last=Walter|date=6 April 2015|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=17 November 2021}}</ref>

===Wests Tigers (2004–2005)===
Richards enjoyed a successful 2005 season with the Tigers. He scored a club record 20 tries during the season, since surpassed by [[Taniela Tuiaki]]. Richards' drop kicks/outs and towering kick-offs were instrumental in gaining valuable field position for the team during their premiership year.<ref name="Richards cleared" />

Despite suffering an ankle ligament injury the week prior, Richards was cleared to play in the [[2005 NRL Grand Final]] against [[North Queensland Cowboys]].<ref name="Richards cleared">{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Age]]|title=Richards cleared to play in NRL final|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/league/richards-cleared-to-play-in-nrl-final/2005/10/01/1127804690853.html|access-date=18 January 2009|date=1 October 2005|location=Melbourne}}</ref> Richards' try from a [[Benji Marshall]] flick pass was a highlight of the Wests Tigers' win.<ref name="Princes of turf">{{cite news|author=Roy Masters|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|title=Princes of turf feed on roar emotion|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/princes-of-turf-feed-on-roar-emotion/2005/10/02/1128191607853.html|access-date=18 January 2009|date=3 October 2005}}</ref> Richards later said of the painkillers required to play, "The doctor pretty much injected all over the ankle. It probably would have been about five or six and a couple in the knee. As I was running I couldn't feel anything. It was like running on memory because I couldn't feel my foot hit the ground."<ref>{{cite news| work=The Sydney Morning Herald| title=Too many needles to remember: The last Tiger to break pain barrier|author=Adam Pengilly | url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/too-many-needles-to-remember-the-last-tiger-to-break-pain-barrier-20190905-p52ocr.html}}</ref>

In the moments after the premiership victory, Channel 9 sideline commentator [[Matthew Johns]] interviewed Richards live on national television and asked him to describe the feeling of winning a premiership.  Richards replied "Mate there was no way in the world I was going to miss this game, and I f***ing, oh sorry, it's the best feeling ever".  In the coming days, the Wests Tigers club were forced to make an apology for the inappropriate language used by some of their players.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/matty-johns-relives-the-infamous-aftermath-of-the-2005-grand-final/news-story/7e8056941f0d7c9fcd62c74d0f18a6ad/|title=Matty Johns relives the infamous aftermath of the 2005 Grand Final|newspaper=News.com.au|date=15 September 2016|last1=Matthey|first1=James}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/tigers-apologise-for-bad-language-20051005-gdm6pz.html/|title=Tigers apologise for bad language|website=Sydney Morning Herald|date=4 October 2005}}</ref>

===Wigan (2006–2013)===
====2006-2009====
[[File:Pat Richards.jpg|thumb|right|Richards playing for Wigan in 2008]]
Richards signed a two-year contract with Wigan for the 2006 and 2007 seasons in June 2005. Speaking from Sydney on the day of his signing for Wigan, Pat Richards said, "I had three enquiries from leading Super League clubs but I feel sure that Wigan is the club for me. They are strengthening well for next year and [[Ian Millward]] is a very successful coach. I am looking forward to joining the club." Head Coach Ian Millward also commented, "Pat is the ideal player for the modern game. He is over 6 feet tall, fields high balls very well and has a special and powerful kicking game. In keeping with the modern game he gives us cover for several positions. He also has an Irish background and he may bring a bit of the Irish luck with him."<ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan capture Pat Richards - AAP Sports News (Australia) 3 June 2005}}</ref> Because of his Irish [[European Union|EU]] passport he did not count in Wigan's [[quota players|overseas quota]].<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2005/06/03/1384365.htmWigan snare Tigers' Richards]{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} ''ABC'', 3 June 2005</ref>

He started his Wigan career playing in the {{rlp|ce}} rather than his usually position of {{rlp|wg}}. He scored 12 tries and kicked 12 goals in 25 appearances during the 2006 season but there was some criticism of Wigan coach [[Ian Millward]] for playing him out of position as it was clear that Richards was not suited to playing at centre. After Ian Millward was sacked, incoming coach Brian Noble immediately moved him to the wing, where he scored a brace of tries in a thrashing of Huddersfield Giants. Richards never played centre again . At the start of 2007 he was given the squad number 5 and was also promoted to first goal kicker after the other goal kickers, [[Michael Dobson (rugby league footballer)|Michael Dobson]], [[Danny Orr]] and [[Wayne Godwin]] left Wigan at the end of 2006. Despite not previously being a regular goal kicker, Pat quickly developed the skills. After 27 appearances in 2007 he scored 14 tries, kicked 103 goals and was Man-of-the-Match 4 times. Mid-way through the season, Richards was moved to full back after [[Michael Withers]]' retirement.

On 21 September 2007 he kicked the vital drop goal to give Wigan a 31–30 win over [[Bradford Bulls]]. It completed the biggest comeback in Super League history at that point (and still stands as the biggest comeback in playoff history).<ref>{{cite web|title=Wigan keep title hopes alive|date = 29 September 2007|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/rugby/article.html?in_article_id=68094&in_page_id=45&in_a_source=|publisher=metro.co.uk}}</ref>

In 2008, Richards was the [[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]] Player of the Season scoring 19 tries and getting a total of 375 points in one season meaning he was the top points scorer in Super League that year as he was the previous year. He also signed a new 3-year deal with Wigan mid-2008 stating he and his family were settled at the club and loved the town.

Richards made himself available for [[Ireland national rugby league team|Ireland]]'s [[2008 Rugby League World Cup]] campaign.<ref name="Kelly reveals interest">{{cite web|url=http://www.teletext.co.uk/sport/rugby/league-stories/9d3e92dc7e5f4bfb7b2974202a2f777f/Kelly+reveals+interest.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719014235/http://www.teletext.co.uk/sport/rugby/league-stories/9d3e92dc7e5f4bfb7b2974202a2f777f/Kelly+reveals+interest.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 July 2011|title=Kelly reveals interest|publisher=teletext.co.uk|date=1 May 2008|access-date=1 May 2008}}</ref><ref>Collins, Ben: "Kelly eyes Cup stir by Irish", pages 18-19. Rugby League World, April 2008</ref><ref name="White Eyes a Green Jersey">{{cite web|url=http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/07/30/white-eyes-a-green-jersey.aspx|title=White Eyes a Green Jersey|publisher=RLWC08.com|date=21 July 2008|access-date=30 July 2008 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

In August 2008, Richards was named in the [[Ireland national rugby league team#2008 World Cup Training Squad|Ireland training squad]] for the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup]],<ref name="Ireland Name World Cup 40 Man Training Squad">{{cite web|url=http://www.rli.ie/story.php?id=53|title=Ireland Name World Cup 40 Man Training Squad|publisher=Rugby League Ireland|date=1 August 2008|access-date=2 August 2008|archive-date=11 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411004717/http://www.rli.ie/story.php?id=53|url-status=dead}}</ref> and in October 2008 he was named in the final 24-man [[2008 Rugby League World Cup squads#Ireland|Ireland]] squad.<ref name="Cassidy included in Ireland squad">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7657596.stm|title=Cassidy included in Ireland squad|publisher=BBC|date=7 October 2008|access-date=7 October 2008}}</ref> He featured prominently in the tournament; in Ireland's win over Samoa on 5 November, Richards scored 22 of the team's 34 points, including three tries.<ref>{{cite news|author=Dave Hadfield|publisher=ABC News|title=Richards earns Irish an upgrade|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/richards-earns-irish-an-upgrade-994686.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/richards-earns-irish-an-upgrade-994686.html |archive-date=25 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=10 November 2008|date=6 November 2008|location=London}}</ref>

Richards continued to be a stand out performer for Wigan in 2009 and was again selected to play for Ireland in the [[2009 European Cup]].<ref>{{cite news|publisher=UKPA|title=Ireland name Euro Cup squad|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gkMc04ZGTGi63CSuNFixM_uLZXEg|access-date=17 October 2009|date=8 October 2009}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

====2010-2013====
Richards' try-scoring exploits and accuracy with the boot proved vital for Wigan's push for honours in 2010. He often had to occupy the full back position in the absence of the injured Cameron Phelps and Amos Roberts before Sam Tomkins' move to full back allowed Richards to reclaim his favoured wing position.

Pat Richards was the first Australian player to score 1,000 points or more for the [[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]] club. On 27 February 2010 Richards scored 5 tries and kicked 9 goals against [[Catalans Dragons]] in a 58–0 victory for Wigan. His 38 points was the most in one match for a Wigan player in the Super League era.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/8530794.stm|work=BBC News|title=Wigan 58-0 Catalans Dragons|date=26 February 2010|access-date=21 May 2010}}</ref>

On 3 September 2010, in a game against [[Bradford Bulls]] Richards equalled the record for the most points in a regular Super League season. Scoring 14 on the night he matched [[Andy Farrell|Andrew Farrell]]'s impressive 388 points. Later in September it was announced that Richards was one of three players nominated for the prestigious Man-of-Steel award.

Pat won the Man-of-Steel award on Monday, 27 September 2010, beating [[Adrian Morley]], and teammate [[Sam Tomkins]] to the accolade.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9005972.stm|work=BBC News|title=Trio nominated for Man of Steel|date=16 September 2010}}</ref> He was also the joint [[Albert Goldthorpe Medal]] winner with teammate Sam Tomkins as the Super League player of the 2010 season.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Albert Goldthorpe Awards|url=http://www.totalrl.com/web/the-albert-goldthorpe-awards-roll-of-honour|work=totalrl.com|publisher=League Publications|access-date=16 February 2014|archive-date=26 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326074057/http://www.totalrl.com/web/the-albert-goldthorpe-awards-roll-of-honour/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The total of 462 points that Richards scored over the entire 2010 season (including playoffs and/or Challenge Cup) set a new club record at Wigan.<ref>[http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=75 "RECORDS"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128221032/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=75 |date=28 November 2010 }} at ''wiganwarriors.com''</ref>

He played in the [[2010 Super League Grand Final]] victory over [[St Helens R.F.C.|St. Helens]] at [[Old Trafford]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Andy|title=Wigan turn St Helens into sinners with Super League Grand Final win|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/oct/02/wigan-st-helens-grand-final|access-date=21 November 2019|newspaper=The Guardian|date=2 October 2010}}</ref>

[[File:Pat Richards 2011.jpg|thumb|right|Richards playing for the Wigan Warriors]]
Richards' [[2011 Wigan Warriors season|2011 season]] was delayed after the [[Achilles tendon]] injury picked up during the 2010 Grand Final kept him out for five to six months.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan's Pat Richards out with Achilles tendon tear|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9055183.stm|access-date=8 May 2011|newspaper=BBC|date=3 October 2010}}</ref> His first appearance in 2011's [[Super League XVI|Super League]] came in Round 9 against [[Catalans Dragons]], where he took over the kicking duties and landed four goals.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/wigan-28-catalan-dragons-47-858138|title=Wigan 28 Catalan Dragons 47|first=Manchester Evening|last=News|date=8 April 2011|newspaper=[[Manchester Evening News]]|access-date=17 November 2021}}</ref> Three tries over the Easter period, including a brace against [[St Helens R.F.C.|St Helens]] gave him his first tries of the campaign, and this was followed up at [[Crusaders Rugby League|Crusaders RL]] with another touchdown, as well as seven goals.<ref>{{cite news|last=Walker|first=Gareth|title=Wigan leave it late as Liam Farrell try breaks St Helens' hearts|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/apr/22/wigan-st-helens-super-league|access-date=8 May 2011|newspaper=The Guardian|date=22 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Crusaders 16-48 Wigan Warriors|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9469383.stm|access-date=8 May 2011|newspaper=BBC|date=1 May 2011}}</ref>

Pat Richards was selected for the [[Exiles rugby league team|Exiles]] squad for the inaugural [[International Origin Match]] against [[England national rugby league team|England]] at [[Headingley Stadium#Headingley Carnegie Stadium|Headingley]] on 10 
June 2011.<ref name="Warrington dominate Exiles picks for Origin fixture">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/13278410.stm|title=Warrington dominate Exiles picks for Origin fixture|publisher=BBC|date=2011-05-04|access-date=2011-05-04}}</ref>

Richards played on the wing in the [[2011 Challenge Cup Final]] victory over the [[Leeds Rhinos]] at [[Wembley Stadium]], kicking 4 goals from 5 attempts in his side's win.<ref>{{cite news|last=Scott|first=Ged|title=Leeds 18-28 Wigan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/14670204|access-date=21 November 2019|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=27 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/aug/27/leeds-rhinos-wigan-warriors-challenge-cup | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Andy | last=Wilson | title=Leeds Rhinos 18-28 Wigan Warriors – Challenge Cup final match report | date=27 August 2011}}</ref>

On 26 April 2013 he signed for Wests Tigers in the NRL, on a two-year deal from 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.weststigers.com.au/news-display/Wests-Tigers-sign-Pat-Richards/73297 |title=Wests Tigers sign Pat Richards - Tigers |access-date=2013-04-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430021401/http://www.weststigers.com.au/news-display/Wests-Tigers-sign-Pat-Richards/73297 |archive-date=30 April 2013}}></ref> He was 32 by the time the season started. Richards said, ""I loved my time over there (with Wigan) but it got to a stage where if I didn't come back I probably never would come back.".<ref name="parra 2015">{{cite news|work= Fox Sports|title=Eels v Tigers: Stunning 10-minute burst from Pat Richards seals stirring comeback for Tigers|author=Dean Ritchie|
url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/eels-v-tigers-stunning-10-minute-burst-from-pat-richards-seals-stirring-comeback-for-tigers/story-e6frf3wu-1227293285621|access-date=3 July 2015|date=6 April 2015}}</ref>

He played in the [[2013 Challenge Cup Final]] victory over [[Hull F.C.]] at [[Wembley Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/23794947|title= Hull FC 0-16 Wigan Warriors|date=24 August 2013|work= BBC Sport|access-date=13 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/aug/24/hull-fc-wigan-warriors-challenge-cup-final|title= Wigan Warriors overcome Hull FC and elements to win Challenge Cup|date=24 August 2013|work=The Guardian|access-date=13 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,,11070_3660839,00.html|title= Wigan Warriors grind out victory over Hull|date=24 August 2013|work= Sky Sports|access-date=13 November 2019}}</ref>

He played in the [[2013 Super League Grand Final]] victory over the [[Warrington Wolves]] at [[Old Trafford]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Super League Grand Final |url=http://www.superleague.co.uk/super_league/grandfinal |publisher=Super League |access-date=14 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729050226/http://www.superleague.co.uk/super_league/grandfinal |archive-date=29 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Newsum|first=Matt|title=Super League Grand Final: Wigan Warriors beat Warrington|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24384930|access-date=13 November 2019|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=5 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Super League Grand Final: Warrington v Wigan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24339698|work=BBC Sport|access-date=13 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/10358228/Super-League-Grand-Final-2013-Warrington-Wolves-16-Wigan-Warriors-30-match-report.html|title= Warrington Wolves 16 Wigan Warriors 30|date=5 October 2013|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=13 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/oct/05/warrington-wigan-super-league-grand-final|title= Wigan see off Warrington in X-rated Grand Final to complete double|date=5 October 2013|work=The Guardian|access-date=13 November 2019}}</ref>

Richards ended his time at Wigan as their third all-time points scorer (2468), third all time goal scorer (898), top Super League try scorer (146), second top Super League point (2104) and goal (758) scorer behind Andy Farrell, as well as two Grand Final wins, two Challenge Cup wins, and a League Leaders Shield to his name as well as the aforementioned Man of Steel win in 2010.

===Wests Tigers (2014–2015)===
Scoring a try with his first touch of the ball, Richards contributed 12 points in his return to the Wests Tigers.<ref>{{cite news|author=Brad Walter|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|title= Gareth Widdop stars as Dragons outlast Tigers|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-match-report/gareth-widdop-stars-as-dragons-outlast-tigers-20140309-34f9z.html|access-date=20 March 2014|date=9 March 2014}}</ref> In his second game, he scored two tries and kicked seven goals, and kicked a 72-metre drop-out that some thought might be a "world record".<ref>{{cite news|author=Brad Walter|work=Triple M|title= World Record Dropout?|url=http://www.triplem.com.au/sydney/sport/nrl/news/2014/3/video-pat-richards-70-metre-goal-line-dropout-wests-tigers-gold-coast-titans-round-2-2014|access-date=20 March 2014|date=17 March 2014}}</ref> Early in the season, Richards was the competition's leading point-scorer, and was considered a possibility for [[State of Origin series|State of Origin]] by [[New South Wales rugby league team|New South Wales]] coach [[Laurie Daley]].<ref>{{cite news|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher = Fairfax|title=Pat Richards waiting in the wings for Blues|first = Adrian|last = Proszenko|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/benjis-care-tactics/2005/09/30/1127804661003.html|access-date=14 September 2014|date=15 April 2014}}</ref> He finished the year as the club's leading try-scorer and point-scorer.<ref>{{cite web|work=nrl.com|title=Wests Tigers Player List|url=http://www.nrl.com/telstrapremiership/playerprofiles/weststigersplayerlist/tabid/10833/clubid/15/default.aspx|access-date=14 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914125526/http://www.nrl.com/telstrapremiership/playerprofiles/weststigersplayerlist/tabid/10833/clubid/15/default.aspx|archive-date=14 September 2014}}</ref>

In round 5 of the 2015 season, Richards scored a try and set up two others in his 100th NRL game. Fox sports said, "The try Richards set up for fullback [[James Tedesco]] was extraordinary. He flew down the sideline, tiptoeing to stay in the field of play by just millimetres. When finally collared by the defence, Richards managed a rushed chip-kick off-balance – and with his non-preferred left foot – which Tedesco caught to score a bizarre try."<ref name="parra 2015" /> He was the first NRL winger to set up two tries with kicks since [[Hazem El Masri]] achieved the same feat in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|work= weststigers.com.au|title=Game Notes: NRL Round 5 vs. Eels|access-date=21 August 2015|date=7 April 2015|author=Dan Talintyre|url=http://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2015/04/07/game_notes_nrl_round.html}}</ref>

In the round 8 match against the Bulldogs, Richards kicked a penalty goal from close to the sideline and 54 metres from the tryline. Richards said, "I'm pretty sure that's the first one over 50. I've done one or two from 50 out before. I always knew I had the legs to get it over. It was just a matter of accuracy."<ref>{{cite web|work= nrl.com|title=Bulldogs v Wests Tigers: Five key points|author=Matt Encarnacion|url=http://www.nrl.com/bulldogs-v-wests-tigers-five-key-points/tabid/10874/newsid/85661/default.aspx|access-date=3 July 2015|date=25 April 2015}}</ref> In the first eight rounds of 2015, Richards scored 8 tries, 22 goals and 1 field-goal, to be the competition's leading point-scorer and equal third-highest try-scorer.<ref>{{cite web|work= The Score|title=NRL Player stats|url=http://thescore.com.au/nrl/playerstats.html?refresh=1431123193720|access-date=9 May 2015|date=9 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508220825/http://thescore.com.au/nrl/playerstats.html|archive-date=8 May 2015 }}</ref>

In Round 22 of the [[2015 NRL season]], Richards became the first Australian player in the modern era to kick 1000 goals. He finished the regular season as the competition's third highest scorer of points<ref>{{cite web|work= nrl.com|title=Points|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907083226/http://www.nrl.com/stats/telstrapremiership/statsleaders/tabid/11564/stat/points/default.aspx|access-date=7 September 2015|url=http://www.nrl.com/stats/telstrapremiership/statsleaders/tabid/11564/stat/points/default.aspx|archive-date=7 September 2015}}</ref> and tries,<ref>{{cite web|work= nrl.com|title=Tries|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907091050/http://www.nrl.com/stats/telstrapremiership/statsleaders/tabid/11564/stat/tries/default.aspx|access-date=7 September 2015|url=http://www.nrl.com/stats/telstrapremiership/statsleaders/tabid/11564/stat/tries/default.aspx|archive-date=7 September 2015}}</ref> and fourth best in line breaks.<ref>{{cite web|work= nrl.com|title=Line Breaks|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907091838/http://www.nrl.com/stats/telstrapremiership/statsleaders/tabid/11564/stat/linebreaks/default.aspx|access-date=7 September 2015|url=http://www.nrl.com/stats/telstrapremiership/statsleaders/tabid/11564/stat/linebreaks/default.aspx|archive-date=7 September 2015}}</ref>

===Catalans Dragons (2016)===
Richards joined [[Catalans Dragons]] for the 2016 Super League season, appearing 21 times and scoring 188 points for the club before announcing his retirement from the sport at the end of the 2016 season.<ref>{{cite web|work= superleague|title=Richards to join Catalans|url=http://superleague.co.uk/article/32654/richards-to-join-catalans|access-date=9 July 2015|date=8 July 2015}}</ref>
[[File:Pat Richards Ireland.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Richards playing for Ireland at the 2008 RLWC]]

==International career==
Richards was born in Australia, but qualifies for [[Ireland national rugby league team|Ireland]] due to his Irish parentage.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/mar/15/rugbyleague.irelandrugbyleagueteam |title=Ireland line up Richards for World Cup duty |newspaper=The Guardian |date=15 March 2008 |access-date=21 December 2023}}</ref> He featured for Ireland in the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup|2008]] and [[2013 Rugby League World Cup|2013 World Cup]]s and in the [[2009 European Cup]].

==Honours==
===Parramatta Eels===
*'''[[National Rugby League|NRL Major Premiership]]''':
**'''Runner-up''': [[2001 NRL Grand Final|2001]]
*'''NRL Minor Premiership''':
**'''Winners''': [[2001 NRL season|2001]]

===Wests Tigers===
*'''[[National Rugby League|NRL Major Premiership]]''':
**'''Winners''': [[2005 NRL Grand Final|2005]]

===Wigan Warriors===

*'''[[Super League Grand Final|Super League]]'''
**'''Winners (2):''' [[2010 Super League Grand Final|2010]], [[2013 Super League Grand Final|2013]]
*'''[[League Leaders' Shield]]'''
**'''Winners (2):''' [[Super League XV|2010]], [[Super League XVII|2012]]
**'''Runner-up (1):''' [[Super League XVI|2011]]
*'''[[Challenge Cup]]'''
**'''Winners (2):''' [[2011 Challenge Cup|2011]], [[2013 Challenge Cup|2013]]
*'''[[World Club Challenge]]'''
**'''Runner-up (1):''' [[2011 World Club Challenge|2011]]

===Individual===
*'''[[Man of Steel Awards|Man of Steel]]:'''
**'''Winners (1):''' [[Super League XV|2010]]
*'''[[Super League Dream Team]]'''
**'''Winners (1):''' [[Super League XV|2010]]
*'''[[Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters' Association|RLWBA]] Player of the Year:'''
**'''Winners (1):''' [[Super League XV|2010]]
*'''[[Albert Goldthorpe Medal]]:'''
**'''Winners (1):''' [[Super League XV|2010]]
*'''Wigan Warriors Player of the Year'''
**'''Winners (2):''' [[2008 Wigan Warriors season|2008]], [[2010 Wigan Warriors season|2010]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*[http://www.catalansdragons.com/en/fiche-330-richards-pat/ Catalans Dragons profile]
*(archived by web.archive.org) [https://web.archive.org/web/20070927212741/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/SquadMember.asp?teamid=1&id=165 Wigan Warriors profile]
* ''[http://wigan.rlfans.com/readarticle.php?article_id=857 Pat Richards Wigan Career Page] on the Wigan RL Fansite''.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160113141327/http://rli.ie/12,profile Ireland profile]

{{Wests Tigers squad 2004 Rugby League World Sevens winners}}
{{Wests Tigers squad 2005 NRL premiership}}
{{Wigan Warriors - 2010 Super League Grand Final winners}}
{{Wigan Warriors - 2011 Challenge Cup Final winners}}
{{Wigan Warriors - 2013 Challenge Cup Final winners}}
{{Wigan Warriors - 2013 Super League Grand Final winners}}
{{Ireland 2008 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{Ireland 2013 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{2010 Super League Dream Team}}
{{Man of Steel Award}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Richards, Pat}}
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen]]
[[Category:Australian people of Irish descent]]
[[Category:Australian rugby league players]]
[[Category:Cabramatta Two Blues players]]
[[Category:Catalans Dragons players]]
[[Category:Exiles rugby league team players]]
[[Category:Ireland national rugby league team players]]
[[Category:Irish rugby league players]]
[[Category:Parramatta Eels players]]
[[Category:Rugby league fullbacks]]
[[Category:Rugby league players from Liverpool, New South Wales]]
[[Category:Rugby league wingers]]
[[Category:Sportsmen from New South Wales]]
[[Category:Wests Tigers players]]
[[Category:Wigan Warriors players]]