Happy 90th Birthday Bryan

Thomas Bryan RICHARDS born 23 November 1932 (hence his 90th birthday) was educated at Neath Grammar School 1944-52, Swansea University 1952-55 where he read History & Economics, Cambridge where he took a Dip. Ed 1955-56. He worked first as Assistant Master Christ's College Brecon 1958-61, Northern Grammar School Portsmouth 1961-63 and Dulwich College 1963-1970 and finally at Rugby School.

In his early years he studied at Cambridge University, did National Service with the RAF, and earned an international rugby cap for Wales

He was also a Cambridge Rugby Blue in 1955.

On 26th March 1060 age 28 he got is only Welsh Cap against France in Cardiff. Unfortunatly he played behind a well beaten pack and Wales lost by 4 tries to 1.  Significantly he was the last fly-half to wear No.6 on his shirt.

His 3 games against Llandovery were mixed losing the first 2 but then  coached the team to the first win over Llandovery in 34 years and was instrumental in unlocking the wonderful talent of Geoff Davies who did all the damage on that famous occasion.

Their coach was Carwyn James who was also his opposite number at Llanelli!

Bryan joined the staff at Rugby in 1970 from Dulwich College as Head of Economics – he was not the first Economics teacher but it was a very new subject at the school. He wrote a book titled How to Pass Examinations in Economics

Bryan was closely involved with rugby football at Rugby School, becoming Master i/c during the early 1970s  and coaching several very strong XVs before handing over to Malcolm Lee. Bryan was famous for his side step – and enjoyed showing it off too! – and I can remember him taking great pleasure in side stepping the boys in the back row whilst wearing his Barbour coat and wellies! He continued to coach teams into the 1990s and could always be relied upon to devise ingenious and original strategies for his players to counter bigger and sometimes more able opposition

Bryan was a tutor and retired in 1994

He continued to live locally in Bilton and took up golf with great enthusiasm and  typical competitiveness.

During retirement he suffered heart problems and also became progressively blind. He did not let the latter disability get in the way of his golf of course and he joined the English Blind Golfers Association, eventually becoming captain and playing for England – which as  he was a very proud Welshman was a bit of a surprise to his friends.