I had heard of the Warriors and when I played football in the Special Olypmics and some of the boys were playing in the team. I was more into football then and after the Olympics I joined a local team but they just took the mick. I told them to stick their team up their…@**e and I gave rugby a try. I spoke to Gwilym and he said just come along. I made my debut for the Warriors in 2003. It was against the Swansea Gladiators and played on the main field at Stradey Park.

I turned up and didn’t really know what has going in. We were short of numbers so I started at prop. That morning Wales had played England in the Qtr finals of the World Cup and just lost – it was very difficult getting a team. The game was being covered for a BBC Radio Wales program. Poor timing for the Warriors as the Gladiators won at Stradey for the 1st time, triumphing 5-41 which remains their best result. Rich gave a small interview before and after the match: “I am a bit nervous, but I’m sure it’ll be ok.” Afterwards, he was philosophical – “I had a good half, the players were quite fast and I struggled to keep up with them but I’m sure I’ll get used to it.”

I don’t remember too much about the game to be honest. We lost but I enjoyed and came back again. At first I played on the wing but now I enjoy playing in the forwards.

Through playing for the Warriors I have made loads of friends and it has boosted my confidence. I used to be more interested in football but now I prefer rugby. I wanted to play more so I played for Cefneithin. I wasn’t happy because I wasn’t getting much game time and they kept asking players to go easy on me. I moved to Tumble. Hopefully we will have a 2nds team next year as they are a great bunch of boys and I love it there. I watch the Scarlets when I can and I recently watched Wales for the 1st time. Richard has also played for Felinfoel, Betws and Burry Port

My best memory is the tour to New Zealand, even though I didn’t meet the All Blacks because I was ill. I love my rugby now, I was thinking of retiring because I’m 30 but I’ve changed my mind and want to go on for as long as possible. I can’t wait to go on tour to New Zealand and Samoa.

Richard has made 165 appearances for the club and is the most capped front row forward. He is a former tour Captain and this year has led the team whilst Dai “Dinosaur” Haines has been injured.

Warriors XV on that day : Dai Spiggs, Meredith Pugh, Lee 'Loughor' Lewis (I think its Lewis), (John Davies), Alun Stephens, David Edwards, Jon Jones, Gwilym Lewis, Chris Bonar(Cpt) (Chris Hancock, Paul Loughor), Chris Spriggs, Richard Evans (Lee 'Chris Hancocks friend', Simon Bevan), Roger Thomas, John Horwood, Lee Rowlands (Chris Reilly), Dai Newson, Chris Hancock Friend #2, Try: John Davies