Dylan Thor Richardson, born on January 15, 1999, in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, represents a fascinating tale of modern rugby’s global nature. Standing at 1.85 meters (6’1″) and weighing 110 kilograms, this versatile forward has carved out a unique career path that spans two continents and two international rugby teams.
Early Life and Development
Richardson’s rugby journey began at Kearsney College, where his exceptional talent quickly became apparent. His prowess on the field earned him selection for the South African Schools team in 2017, making two appearances in the Under-19 International Series. This early recognition set the foundation for what would become a remarkable professional career.
Growing up, Richardson was deeply influenced by his Edinburgh-born father, Neil, who instilled in him a connection to Scottish rugby culture. The pair would watch Six Nations matches together, with Neil sharing stories of Scottish rugby heritage and expressing his own unfulfilled dreams of playing in the championship. This paternal influence would prove pivotal in Richardson’s later international career decisions.
Professional Career with the Sharks
Richardson made his Super Rugby debut for the Sharks in May 2019 against the Lions, coming on as a replacement hooker at just 20 years of age. After joining the Sharks Academy following his school career, Richardson was selected for the SA Rugby Academy squad in 2019, marking his transition to professional rugby.
As a utility forward, Richardson has demonstrated remarkable versatility throughout his career, capable of playing as both a loose forward and hooker. This adaptability has made him an invaluable asset to the Sharks, where he has spent his entire professional career until recently, making 35 appearances across Super Rugby, the United Rugby Championship, and EPCR competitions.
International Rugby Career
Richardson’s international journey began with South Africa, where he represented the country at various youth levels. He was included in the South Africa Under-20 squad for the 2019 World Rugby Under 20 Championship, showcasing his potential on the global stage.
However, it was his Scottish heritage that opened new international doors. Richardson was eligible for Scotland through his Edinburgh-born father and was first called up to the Scotland training squad for the 2021 Autumn Nations Series. He made his Scotland debut on November 20, 2021, coming on as a replacement against Japan.
The path to establishing himself as a Scotland international proved challenging. Richardson endured a painful 959-day gap between his first and second caps, a period marked by a series of injuries that threatened to derail his international ambitions. He suffered ligament damage to both knees, a finger injury that sidelined him for 12 weeks, and back problems, managing fewer than 1,200 competitive minutes in 30 months.
Resurgence and Recent Success
Richardson’s perseverance paid off when he was recalled for Scotland’s 2024 summer tour of the Americas. He marked his return in spectacular fashion, scoring two tries in a 73-12 victory over Canada on July 6, 2024. This performance demonstrated his resilience and cemented his place in Scotland’s plans.
Reflecting on his international choice, Richardson has stated that “choosing Scotland was the best thing I’ve ever done,” emphasizing his commitment to representing his father’s homeland. He was included in Scotland’s 2025 Six Nations squad, having earned six caps for his adopted country.
Future Prospects
In April 2025, Richardson signed a two-year contract with Edinburgh Rugby, marking a significant step in his career. The move reunites him with head coach Sean Everitt, who previously worked with Richardson at the Sharks and played a significant role in his development.
Richardson’s journey from a promising schoolboy in KwaZulu-Natal to an established international player exemplifies modern rugby’s evolving landscape. His story of overcoming adversity, embracing dual heritage, and finding success across continents continues to inspire aspiring rugby players worldwide. As he embarks on this new chapter with Edinburgh, Richardson remains focused on his ultimate goal: establishing himself as a key player for Scotland in the Six Nations Championship.
