Richardson keen on Scotland role
When Dylan Richardson was called up to play for Scotland against Japan at Murrayfield in 2021, the South African-born utility forward headed north not knowing what to expect.
Richardson, who wouldn't appear out of place in a surf competition with his long blond hair and beard, revealed that he felt far from his element when he first joined Gregor Townsend's team after piquing the selectors' interest thanks to his Sharks performances.
“Coming into the Scotland set-up was very intimidating in the beginning because when I first went over I barely knew anyone,” Richardson told The Rugby Paper. “But I was surprised by the warm welcome and I found the set-up to be extremely professional.”
Richardson, who debuted for both the Sharks and the SA U20 team in 2019, grew up with a dream of representing the Springboks but owing to his father being born in Edinburgh, the Scottish option became a reality.
Richardson hasn't been part of the recent Scotland set-up, with injuries hampering his progress, but the Durban-based forward revealed the national side have been keeping tabs on his progress this season.
“The Scotland coaching team and I stay in touch. They ask me how I am and have been following my games for the Sharks this season. Gregor (below) also checks in on me but having had a couple injuries, it does make things difficult as far as World Cup selection.”
Scotland, who have a host of South African-born players in their starting line-up, have been cheekily dubbed ‘Castle Lite' in reference to the Springboks being sponsored by Castle Lager but Richardson said that the Scottish players have taken it in good spirits.
“Scotland being referred to as Castle Lite is a bit of banter I guess but the South African-born boys' appreciation and love for Scotland itself is absolutely amazing. It's a special place for rugby and I know those boys hold Scotland very close to their hearts.”
In his brief time with the Scottish national team, Richardson said he learned a lot and took note of how things are done differently in the northern and southern hemispheres. In terms of the main differences, he said that in South Africa there is a really strong accent on physicality, while in Scotland there is more of an emphasis on skills training.
“Things are done differently in the north and it's a contrasting style of rugby to what I'm used to in the south. That said, I've been extremely impressed with the level of detail.”
Richardson acknowledged that game time is vital when it comes to the World Cup because teams need players who are fit and firing. He said that national players need to be at their peak by September because they are doing battle with the best in the world.
“In terms of the World Cup, you never know what can happen and I would love to be involved with Scotland. Things can change quickly with the national team in terms of form and injury but for now, I'm just focusing on myself and playing the best I can.”
