Following his appointment as St.Helens’ Head of Rugby for our Academy and Pathways, Craig Richards spoke exclusively to Saints TV.
Proud to take on this role, Richards is ready to lead one of our club’s most important areas – our youth development programme.
Having spent well over 12 years at the Saints, Richards knows better than most the standards expected of our pathway system. He believes the Club’s record of producing first-team players remains among the best in the game and is determined to build on that reputation in the years ahead.
While he inherits a programme with strong foundations already in place, Richards wants to find further improvements in the detail of player development. A major focus will be ensuring the pathway works closely alongside our First Team staff, helping to produce players with the skills and qualities needed to succeed at the senior level.
Community rugby will continue to play a key role. Richards highlighted the importance of the relationships St.Helens has built with community clubs, recognising the part they play in identifying and developing future players.
The role also brings the men’s and women’s pathways together under one structure. Having previously led the women’s programme, Richards believes this unified approach will help ensure every young player benefits from the same standards, opportunities and support.
Winning remains important at every level, Richards stressed that development is the priority. The aim is to help young players grow both on and off the field, while continuing to produce homegrown talent capable of contributing to a successful St.Helens first team for years to come.
