How Richardson is making himself the 'go-to' in the 'new modern game'

Dylan Richardson is living something of a double life at the moment, but he’s more than happy to do so.

Growing up in South Africa, he spent the formative years of his career playing on the flank, representing the land of his birth in that position at U20s level.

He then converted to hooker towards the end of his time with the Hollywoodbets Sharks while working under his current Edinburgh Rugby coach Sean Everitt.

Now he’s been reunited with Everitt, having moved to the Scottish capital over the summer, and he’s back playing on the openside for the time being.

He has no issues with his hybrid role, and it’s a versatility which has doubtless helped secure him a spot in the Scotland squad for the autumn internationals, a country he qualifies for through his father, with his Test debut having come back in 2021.

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United Rugby Championship

Cardiff Rugby

20 - 19

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Edinburgh

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“Seven is always natural for me. It’s something I can play naturally; I don’t have a problem with it. I’m a natural flank,” says the 26-year-old.

“Hooker is something I have to work on. So even though I am playing seven now, I am still working at hooker every day. I am doing throwing and lineouts with the boys all the time. I am a hooker at training, but I am a seven on the weekend, which is quite cool. So I am just making sure I am keeping that skill and building it because in the new modern game, being a hybrid player is kind of the go-to now. You see players like Deon Fourie who can switch from two to six; it’s an awesome attribute to have.

“I’m practicing hooker every week, and I’ll always be available to play that role, but I can always play flank as well, so I think it’s just another quiver in my bow. Wherever I can help the team, I think that’s beneficial, and if I’m beneficial for the team, it’s just better for me as a player. So that’s what I’m working towards.”

Richardson certainly benefited the team last weekend as he scored two tries from the flank in the 43-0 bonus point victory over Benetton Rugby. It was his first appearance at The Hive Stadium and he relished the experience.

“It was awesome. The fans were incredible. With the bagpipes going when you come in as well, it gave me such an amazing vibe. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to play there again,” he said.

It was Edinburgh’s first win of the season in the BKT URC after narrow defeats on the road against Zebre Parma and Munster Rugby.

Richardson commented: “A lot of teams would maybe go into their shells after tough losses like that in such close games, but we knew we had to take responsibility and ownership for it. The performance you saw against Benetton was based on the good environment and culture we have built, and the boys trusting in that. It was just hard work from the boys, a bit of grunt work, some go-forward. That’s what it’s about basically, you have to outwork the opposition.”

Next up for Edinburgh, it’s a trip to the Arms Park this weekend to take on in-form Cardiff Rugby, who lie fourth in the BKT URC after winning three of their first four matches.

Reflecting on a league which he has played in for a number of years now, Richardson said: “I think the URC has taken a step up. All the teams are good; there are no easy games. You have to win your home fixtures. We know that and we know we need to win some away games as well, but we know it’s going to be really hard.”

Edinburgh coach Everitt is clearly delighted to once again be working with the six-times capped Richardson, who is part of a 45-man Scotland squad for next month’s Tests against the USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga.

“He is an amazing rugby player with an incredible work-rate,” he said.

“He is very industrious. He trains exceptionally hard, and he puts a lot of effort into his rugby, more so than most. It’s just great to see him getting rewarded for everything that he’s done to get here. He’s left family at home and he’s come across and he wants to make Scotland his home. It’s so awesome for him.”