ANNA RICHARDS

Anna Richards in action for the NZ Black Ferns.

Anna Richards

After 30 years of banging her head against glass ceilings you could excuse Anna for no longer feeling the love for the sport of rugby. But it’s almost the opposite. Her enthusiasm and passion run stronger than ever, although the focus has shifted from her own game on the field to her position as a coach and bringing out the best in others.

We met at her office - at Eden Park of course, and it was great to see her working with Auckland Rugby. It’s been one heck of a ride for the girl from small town Timaru. One that has taken her around the world many times and her name would have to be one of the most recognisable in the world of rugby. The words ‘pioneer and legend’ get thrown around fairly easily these days but both are so applicable.

In her story for the book, we focus on her early experiences with rugby, the Crusadettes and their infamous tour of Europe and how it felt to be part of the NZ team not allowed to attend the 1994 RWC. This exclusion may have been the reason Anna was motivated enough to be at the top of her game for all four of the following RWC finals.

I can’t help but wonder what she could have achieved had she not had to shoulder her way past so many barriers. And I look forward to the day when she can finally just sit back and enjoy watching the wonderful spectacle of women’s rugby that she has helped create.

Anna was one of the very first people I spoke to about this project. It was during the first lockdown so we had takeaway coffees and ended up sitting on the side of the street in Newmarket. It’s pretty amazing to think back to that day and how far we have come with this project…….

Jo

*In our book we write that Fia’o Fa’amausili is the only player to have played in 5 RWC’s and won four titles. We realise now that in fact Anna Richard also holds the same record - having competed in the 1991 RWC before winning the 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 RWC titles.