Seasoned rugby player reaches a remarkable milestone

Anrich Richter, a seasoned rugby player from Vanderbjilpark, has achieved a remarkable milestone in his career – 150 caps.

With a career spanning over a decade, Richter has played in numerous matches, including two Currie Cup First Division finals.

He spoke to the Kempton Express about his greatest memories and his future.

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“The most memorable moment was when I had the privilege to run out on the field on my 150th cap with my father and three beautiful children.

“Knowing family and friends are in the stands cheering was special,” said Richter.

“It is a great honour and privilege to reach this milestone.”

Richter said: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

He added he started playing rugby at a young age and still remembers himself and his father playing in the yard with a rugby ball.

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Richter attended Laerskool Kruinsig in Kempton Park from 1998 to 2004 and Hoërskool DR EG Jansen in Boksburg where he matriculated in 2009.

He then went to Tuks Rugby Academy in 2010 and believes this is where his career really started.

“Through Tuks, I got a chance to play trails for the U19 Valke and then made the team.

“Playing in the final for them meant I moved up the following year to play U21 in the premier division.

“That same year, in 2011, my senior provincial rugby career started.

“I played in the senior league until 2020. We planned to play in the Malaysia Valke in a newly formed Global Rapid Rugby before Covid-19 halted our plans a week before the competition.”

Richter said there was a lot of uncertainty over when and where they could start to play again.

“In January 2021 we had another opportunity after Covid was under control but under strict regulations.

“At the end of 2021, I decided not to play professionally any more but realised I still have a lot of rugby in me.

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“I played for Brakpan Rugby Club in 2022 but the travelling was too much because I lived in Vanderbjilpark.

“I moved to the NWU Vaal Rugby Club at the end of 2023.”

Richter said his family has been his rock throughout his career.

“Their support drives me to give my best every time I step onto the field.

“My wife has sacrificed a lot this last couple of months to make this a reality.

“My mother opened her home for me to stay during weekdays to make the travelling less from Vanderbjilpark for optimal performance on the field.

“My father has always supported and encouraged me to do my best and to keep working hard.”

He said in his years of playing he was privileged to play against many quality sides.

“The most challenging matches were the two finals I played in with a lot at stake and knowing this was an all-or-nothing battle.”

Richter added the game has changed from when he started playing.

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“The rule changes have improved the speed of play and cut out a lot of dead time.”

He said he was grateful for the influence of numerous coaches and teammates throughout his career.

“Every one of them has played a part in shaping me into the player I am today,” he said.

Richter said his plans included transitioning into coaching to give back to the sport that has given him so much.