A True Inspiration

Monday, 21st March 2022

GLAN RICHARDS

It is with much sadness that we have to share the news of the passing of long-time Voyager Glan Richards. Our thoughts and prayers are with Catrin, Gareth and their family at this sad time…

Glan was born in Myddfai, Carmarthenshire and attended Llandovery Grammar School from 1949 – 1956 where he was Head Boy in his final year.He was an outstanding athlete at school, captaining the Rugby and cricket teams and an all-rounder at athletics. He represented the county in all three sports and at one stage held the County record in the High Jump.

He did his teacher training at the Carnegie College in Leeds before embarking on his teaching career in West London in 1961. He taught in a variety of schools before he was appointed Head of P. E. at the William Penn school in Herne Hill.

He eventually became the Director of Sport at the Polytechnic of Central London. He encouraged many notable athletes to pursue their chosen sport to a higher level. One of his students was Colin Charvis who under Glan’s direction joined London Welsh - and the rest is history!

Glan had a stellar involvement with London Welsh. He joined in 1961 making his Ist Team debut on the Easter tour in 1962 at Pontypool. He played for the IstXV 100 times, scoring 38 tries. He generally played on the left wing outside John Dawes. His best seasons were 1963 – 1965 scoring a then record 19 tries in 1965. He continued to play occasionally for the Ist team until his final game in 1969 against Bedford when he scored two tries. He captained the Druids between 1966 and 1968.

After finishing playing, he undertook many roles within the administration of the club. He will perhaps be best remembered for developing the Mini Rugby section and worked alongside Don Rutherford and Ray Williams in creating what has become the breeding ground for aspiring youngsters all over the world. His organisation at LW became a blue print that has been adopted universally. He was a Senior Welsh coach and was always keen to develop the players at a young age. As Chairman of the Schools section, he established the Griffins XV for players post-school which in many ways was the forerunner of the Academy system now operated by the Premiership Clubs.

Some involvement indeed; all accomplished with dignity and modesty.

D. E. Thomas.

Refs: Dragon in Exile (P271 -272) Ackn: Paul Beken.