Newport RFC
In his first year at Newport RFC (1996–97) he was selected to play for the Welsh sevens team in Tokyo, Japan and in his second year at the age of 20 years old, Richard was called up to train with the Welsh senior team. At the end of this season (1997–98) Richard was voted most promising player of the year by his club winning the Arthur Boucher Award.
Park’s fourth season with Newport RFC saw him struck down with injury. He missed most of the season after suffering a stress fracture of his spine. Breaking his back resulted in Richard missing the opportunity to gain Welsh honours at an under 21 level.
After taking longer to recover than anticipated Richard was released from his contract at Newport RFC after 62 appearances and finished the season playing University Rugby for Cardiff Meds.
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