Toulouse Olympique are pleased to announce the arrival of 27-year-old English prop who counts more than 100 Super League games, Greg RICHARDS, on loan from Hull KR for the entire 2023 season (without a return clause before the end of the championship).
A young talent spotted by the greatest
Born in 1995 in Barrow in the North West of England, Greg started his rugby league journey at the amateur club of his hometown, Barrow Island before joining the prestigious academy of St Helens. He made his debut with the professional team in 2013 against Castleford, in Super League.
The emancipation of a player trained with the Saints
The following year he continued playing for the red and white team and even took part in the 2014 Super League Grand Final, thus lifting his first trophy during his second professional season. He continued his adventure in one of the biggest European clubs until 2017, when he joined the ranks of Leigh’s formation which then played in Super League. While changing competitions but not teams in 2018, he crossed paths with Toulouse in Championship.
Greg RICHARDS celebrating during the 2014 Super League Grand Final © Alex Broadway/SWpix
The desire to remain at the highest level
In 2019, Greg joined the English capital and the London Broncos who were then in Super League, unfortunately for the British forward the club went down to the Championship for the 2020 season. He remained in the London workforce in 2021, which allowed him to once again meet the Olympians who were on their way towards their first promotion to Super League. Finally, it is Hull KR who called upon the services of this powerful prop for the 2022 season. Here again, he met Toulouse during this season when the Kingston Rovers ended up 8th in the regular phase.
An important reinforcement for the Toulouse pack
It is therefore a new challenge for Greg RICHARDS who, after having met Toulouse several times, is joining the squad led by Sylvain HOULES. The head coach is very optimistic about welcoming his new recruit: “Greg is a prop who knows his job and his role within a team well. He is a hard worker, the kind of prop who does the undermining work. » The Olympian club, which was looking for a final arrival as a prop, is now fully focused towards the opening of the championship season in Barrow, next Saturday February 4th (live on ouRLeague): « That’s it, we’re there! I’m happy to see Greg join our ranks just before the start of the season. He will bring muscle to our pack of forwards. His high-level experience, his training at St Helens, his good season last year… All the elements are here for him to bring to this group. I would like to thank the management of Hull KR for this loan agreement.” Bernard SARRAZAIN, Toulouse Olympique’s President.
The excitement is equally shared by the new Olympian: “I’m really excited to get over to Toulouse, meet the guys and get the season started. I can’t wait to experience the culture of a new city and country”, said Greg RICHARDS.
Player profile:
First Name: Greg – Last Name: RICHARDS – Date of birth: 12/06/1995 (27 years-old)
Height: 1m80 – Weight: 107kg – Position: prop – Former clubs: St Helens, Leigh, London Broncos, Hull KR.
Press contact: Mathilde BACQ at 05 61 57 80 00 or mathilde.bacq@to13.com
